The Australian Institute of Criminology revealed that about 50% of prisoners in Australian jails are suffering from one or the other mental disorders. The report has raised concerns about the rise in number of prison inmates, who have been suffering from mental disorder.

Report author Lubica Forsythe was of the view that they reached at the above given conclusion, after collecting data from in five major Australian jails, which included questioning from 778 prisoners. Lubica further affirmed that there is a chance that the percentage of people suffering from illness would be more, as there are some jails in which prisoners suffering from mental disorder are sent directly to mental health facility.

"Understanding the extent of mental illness among those who come into contact with the criminal justice system is extremely important for policing and government policy development and resourcing", said Forsythe.

If to talk about the mental disorders that have catch hold maximum prisoners then depression and bipolar were two main diseases. About 28% detainees were suffering from one of the two diseases.

In addition, it has also been revealed that link between drugs usage and mental disorder was strongest among women in comparison to men. As 66% women were found to be associated with the link.