Suicides in jails and prisons.

Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails and prisons and the rate is at least 3 times higher than the national average. Nonetheless, suicides in jails and prisons have received little professional psychiatric attention. A review of the relevant literature reveals a limited number of studies, many of which contain serious methodological flaws. The current literature does suggest that the psychiatric morbidity in jails and prisons is increasing and that administrative and environmental variables appear to be at least equal to personal characteristics in contributing to inmate suicides. Recommendations for future research efforts and practical applications are made.