THE EFFECTS OF TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES SUFERED DURING INCARCERATION
THE EVIDENCE OF LIVED-TRAUMA THAT IMPACTS DESPERATE-LIVING DECISIONS
THE EXTENDED TRAUMATIC TRIGGERS ASSOCIATED WITH HAVING BEEN INCARCERATED
NIA social scientists, along with teams of other professionals are taking on the highly-charged and over-politicized question of CRIME. They are taking a more intentional look at the pathology of crime and the realities of living out every-day lives in chronic desperation. Uncovering, and reversing the impacts of Post Incarceration Syndrome is their mission.
“I know what I do is wrong. You never do anything that you already know is wrong? I been out here since I was 12. All I think about is that I gotta do it right now or I might miss the chance to get what I need or what I ought to have too. You feel me? I don’t think about all that other stuff y’all think about.”
“I’ve been working here and really respected here for years. But people see me and they don’t know that every time at work when somebody in uniform talks about background checks or somebody submits my name for an award or a promotion, I spend that night curled up in a ball in my bed. Cold sweating with horrible pain in my gut.”
“The big event of our life now is that our lease is ending and we feel we deserve to move up with where we live and do it with both our names on the lease – finally. But my husband is really in a panic kind of fear. He’s been out for five years, stable in a high-skill-demand job, and I want him to excel like any other man without fear.”
“Some eat crazy fast – they don’t digest their food. Some can’t sit or walk through a public space without their eyes rotating as if in fear of every wall and every moving thing. Some sit in meetings, but with lips sealed by ‘disqualifying’ louder thoughts. Some can’t watch TV. Some can only watch TV. Some can’t pursue love – ever.”
Post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) is a psychiatric disorder that affects individuals who have been incarcerated and then are released back into society. It is characterized by a range of psychological, emotional, and social difficulties that can arise as a result of being imprisoned. These difficulties can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulty adjusting to life outside of prison, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships.
PICS is not currently a recognized psychiatric disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). However, the term is used by some researchers and practitioners to describe the very real psychological challenges that people who have been imprisoned may face upon reentry.
In short these terms are all referring to the same phenomena of a person struggling to reenter society after being incarcerated - Mostly highlighted by the lack of mental health support during and post incarceration.
Since the advent of focusing on mental health in relation to recidivism, new terminology has begun to spring up at a higher rate – further emphasizing the lack of standards and awareness around the subject matter.
At this time, there are no distinctions in the use of these words as they are considered synonyms in 2023. However, we prefer the term “Post Incarceration Syndrome” since it has the most prevalent notoriety and traction.
Post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) can have negative consequences for both the individual who has been affected by it and society as a whole. For the individual, PICS can lead to social isolation, difficulty finding and maintaining employment, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, which can contribute to a cycle of poverty and social marginalization. These difficulties can also increase the risk of recidivism, or returning to criminal behavior.
For society, PICS can also have negative consequences. If individuals with PICS are unable to successfully reenter society and become productive members of the community, this can lead to increased costs for social services, healthcare, and law enforcement. In addition, if individuals with PICS are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, this can have negative impacts on public safety and overall quality of life in the community. These issues are often compounding and systemic in the manner in which they lead to negative societal externalities.
Additionally, beyond the mere direct cost which may arise, the families of previously incarcerated individuals tend to suffer economically, emotionally, and mentally. For example, the estranged relationships between children, spouses, and immediate family members tend to be stressed considerably.
It is important for society to address the psychological challenges that individuals who have been incarcerated may face upon reentry into society in order to promote successful reintegration and reduce the negative consequences of PICS on a community.
There are several strategies that can be used to mitigate the effects of post-incarceration syndrome (PICS). These strategies may include:
With that said, Post Incarceration Syndrome will likely require a varied and comprehensive approach that icludes a range of interventions at the individual, community, and societal levels.
It is difficult to determine how long post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) may last, as there is limited research on the topic. However, factors that may influence the duration of PICS include the individual's pre-incarceration mental health status, the duration of their incarceration, the conditions of their imprisonment, and the level of support and resources available to them upon reentry.
Individuals who had been incarcerated are at increased risk for mental health problems, including depression and anxiety lasting up to 5 year or more based on other factor.
It is difficult to determine how long PICS may last, as it likely varies from person to person. It is important for individuals who have been affected by PICS to have access to mental health treatment and support to help manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
The exact causes of PICS are not fully understood, but it is believed that a variety of factors may contribute to the development of the condition. These factors may include:
References:
Lykes, M. B., & Topper, M. (2007). Incarceration and re-entry: A qualitative study of the process of reintegration. Qualitative Health Research, 17(1), 92-104.
Visher, C., & Travis, J. (2003). The social context of reentry: A review of the literature on prisoners returning to the community. In R. L. T. Hotchkiss (Ed.), From prison to home: The effect of incarceration and reentry on children, families, and communities (pp. 67-115). Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
It is estimated that 40% of the 600,000 people released annually will have PICS.
However, it is difficult to determine how many people suffer from post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) since there are no widely accepted standards in medical publications. However, based on generally accessible data we can make some inferences.
Likewise, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there were approximately 2.3 million people incarcerated in the United States in 2019 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2019). It is likely that a significant number of these individuals will experience some level of PICS, although the extent and severity of these difficulties may vary.
A significant number of individuals who have been incarcerated experience difficulties adjusting to life outside of prison.
References:
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2019). Correctional populations in the United States, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cpus19.pdf
There are several strategies that can be used to help someone with post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) which include:
References:
Hagan, J., & Dinovitzer, R. (1999). Collateral consequences of imprisonment for children, communities, and prisoners. Crime and Justice, 26, 115-169.
Hirschi, T., & Gottfredson, M. R. (1983). Age and the explanation of crime. American Journal of Sociology, 89(3), 552-584.
Warren, J. I., & Travis, J. (2001). The social costs of incarceration: Implications for race and ethnicity. Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race, 8(1), 51-70.
Yes, others may be impacted by post-incarceration syndrome (PICS), which can contribute to a cycle of poverty and social marginalization. These difficulties can also increase the risk of recidivism, or returning to criminal behavior.
Families, friends, governmental institutions, communities, and society as a whole all the bear the cost of previously incarcerated persons who are struggling to reenter society.
Post incarceration syndrome can be a widely varied disorder that manifests itself in numerous ways. Some commonly accepted signs of PICS may include:
It is important to note that these signs may vary from person to person and that not everyone who has been incarcerated will experience PICS. It is also important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional if you or someone you know is experiencing these or other mental health concerns.
Post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) is assumed to be associated with higher rates of recidivism, and returning to criminal behavior. PICS is characterized by a range of psychological, emotional, and social difficulties that can arise as a result of being imprisoned, and these difficulties can make it more challenging for individuals to successfully reenter society and become productive members of the community.
It has been noted that individuals with mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, were more likely to reoffend after being released from prison. One study found that individuals who had a history of mental health problems prior to incarceration were at increased risk for recidivism (Fazel et al., 2012).
It is important to note that the relationship between PICS and recidivism is complex and may be influenced by a variety of factors.
References:
Fazel, S., & Danesh, J. (2002). Serious mental disorder in 23000 prisoners: A systematic review of 62 surveys. The Lancet, 359(9306), 545-550.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) for an extended period of time and these symptoms are causing significant distress or impairment in your daily life, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. A mental health professional can assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Treatment options for PICS may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therapy can help you identify and address the underlying causes of your symptoms and learn coping skills to manage your symptoms. Medications can help to manage specific symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
It is important to be open and honest with your mental health professional about your symptoms and concerns. They will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
PICS is suffocating. Like not knowing what is wrong with you or the world - the puzzle pieces just don’t seem to line up. Paralyzing depression, fear, anger, and anxiety are just words that epitomize the revolving door I seem to be stuck in. I did my time, but the lasting vestiges of a draconian punishment system never cease to torment.
Regardless of the offense, sympathy is unheard of. Nay, discouraged. The stigma that is rampant within society for previously incarcerated individuals is akin to the high school football coach telling you to “man up” and “walk it off,” despite the horrific injury you may have endured.
Imagine all the doors in your life being closed - on top of that you're blind, def, and dumb. Post incarceration syndrome leads me down a path of bad choices, but to me they seem good. I don’t know I’m a snowball gathering momentum down a hill. I don’t know that I’m just another failed statistic. I’m just a broken version of my former self trying to reenter a world that no longer tolerates me.
If you have a friend, spouse, or family member who has been affected by post-incarceration syndrome (PICS), it is important to provide them with support and understanding. Here are some things you can do to support someone with PICS:
We encourage you to be supportive, but at the same time not rely solely on your own intuition to address these issues. There are experts, peer support groups, and accredited professionals with years of experience in handling these issues. Make sure to be self-aware of your own capacity to help and seek outside help as soon as possible.
It is difficult to determine how long post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) may last, as PICS is a proposed psychiatric disorder and there is limited research on the topic. PICS is characterized by a range of psychological, emotional, and social difficulties that can arise as a result of being incarcerated, and these difficulties can persist for an extended period of time.
However, it is important to note that with proper treatment and support, individuals with PICS can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Treatment options for PICS may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
It is difficult to determine how long PICS may last, as it can vary from person to person. However, with proper treatment and support, individuals with PICS can significantly reduce the severity of their symptoms.
While PICS may include symptoms of PTSD, it is important to note that PICS is not the same as PTSD. PICS is a proposed disorder that is used by some researchers and practitioners to describe the psychological challenges that individuals who have been incarcerated may face upon reentry into society. PTSD, on the other hand, is a recognized psychiatric disorder that is characterized by specific symptoms that occur after a traumatic event.
In conclusion, PICS may include symptoms of PTSD, but it is important to note that PICS is not the same as PTSD.
Lawmakers need to be concerned about post-incarceration syndrome (PICS) due to the negative consequences of PICS for individuals who have been affected by it and for society as a whole.
For instance, if individuals with PICS are more likely to reoffend, this can have negative impacts on public safety and overall quality of life in the community. Additionally, if individuals with PICS are unable to find and maintain employment and become self-sufficient, this can place a burden on social welfare systems.
Lawmakers who are concerned about PICS may consider implementing policies and programs to address the psychological challenges that individuals who have been incarcerated may face upon reentry. For example, lawmakers may support initiatives to provide access to mental health treatment, education and job training, and peer support and mentorship for individuals with PICS.
It can possibly be indefinite if resources are not readily available upon release.
People with PICS tend to have a 6 stage post-release symptom progression that leads to recidivism:
People with PICS are at high risk for developing substance dependence, relapsing to substance use if they were previously addicted, relapsing to active mental illness if they were previously mentally ill, and returning to a life of aggression, violence, and crime. They are also at high risk of chronic unemployment and homelessness.
It's incited towards disintegration of one's mental capacity. Not a natural mental health disorder occurring by chemical imbalances.
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Doctors determined that Chad was in a persistent vegetative state. He fought to stay alive, waiting for his younger sister to come see him. Leah made that fourteen14-hour journey multiple times from Texas to Georgia to see her brother; her last visit was two weeks before he passed.
The consequences of poor mental health care can hinder a prisoners’ ability to reintegrate into society successfully – increasing the likelihood of additional offenses.
This type of therapy involves the inclusion of animals in the therapy process to provide emotional, psychological, and social support to individuals.
Life inside the penitentiary is extremely hard. The violence and deprivation warp your whole view; you see a total disregard for basic human life firsthand. But the after-effects can be even worse.
PRESSLEY, NAPOLITANO CALL FOR RESEARCH ON MENTAL HEALTH FOR FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE
Becoming Pics Aware – A study on Post Incarceration Syndrome
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