PICS : Post Incarceration Syndrome
Connected to PTSD, Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS) delineates a cluster of symptoms manifesting when an individual undergoes imprisonment. Within these settings, individuals encounter persistent, daily trauma marked by violence, degradation, and the deprivation of fundamental needs. PICS, experienced by both those who have survived incarceration and those still within its confines, contributes to a range of issues such as depression, anxiety, relapses in drug and mental health, violence, poverty, and the likelihood of recriminalization.
Despite variations in terminology, the amalgamation of symptoms associated with PICS remains consistent. It is crucial to note that the term "post" in PICS does not signify release from incarceration but denotes the experience of having been incarcerated.
Initial research on PICS often employed dehumanizing language and carried stigmatizing, paternalistic undertones. Terence Gorski's introduction of the term "PICS" formally established a clear connection between incarceration and the onset or intensification of mental health issues, addiction, and related challenges. While Craig Haney explored aspects of "post-prison adjustment" following the "pains of imprisonment," other researchers delved into similar symptomatology arising from "institutionalization" and "prisonization." Marieke Liem, after extensive research on long-term imprisonment effects, found the term "PICS" particularly apt.
PICS casts a shadow over various aspects of our community, elevating the risk of chronic unemployment and homelessness, among other issues. Opinions differ on the potential benefits of a DSM classification for PICS. On one hand, an official classification could facilitate access to mental health care, particularly through disability status, for those in need. On the other hand, it might exacerbate stigma for individuals already grappling with collateral consequences and societal barriers. What remains certain is that developing awareness of PICS enables us to better confront the debilitating repercussions of incarceration. Symptoms were monitored before, during, and after periods of incarceration. The most predominant indicators, such as depression and anxiety, reached their highest levels during incarceration. Across various symptoms measured, including eating disorders and heightened irritability, there was a consistent escalation at each stage. Notably, there was an almost 35% overall increase in antisocial traits and sleep disturbances, along with a 36% surge in feelings of paranoia.
Inquiries were made to individuals who had experienced incarceration, prompting them to recount situations triggering heightened anxiety. Their responses highlighted discomfort in confined spaces, noisy or crowded environments, and instances where they had their backs turned to others, such as when sitting in a restaurant. Feelings of isolation, being misunderstood, tension in relationships with loved ones, exposure to sounds reminiscent of prison (like jingling keys or slamming doors), and distressing dreams of still being in prison or facing the risk of recriminalization were recurrent themes.Initiatives for reentry spearheaded by individuals with firsthand experience of incarceration play a pivotal role. This aligns with the societal emphasis on valuing experiential knowledge. However, despite this, we encounter systemic barriers preventing our active participation in community life due to restrictive and counterproductive policies. By fostering awareness of Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS), we empower ourselves to challenge policies that adversely affect our lives.
A substantial 94% of those who have experienced incarceration express a willingness to connect with others sharing similar experiences. Furthermore, over 97% actively engage with individuals who have also been in prison, with 56% indicating that this connection is often a result of shared experiences, as many of their friends have faced incarceration.
A prevailing sentiment among our community is the recognition of the necessity for community support groups, therapy, or counseling tailored specifically to address challenges related to PICS, post-prison adjustment, and the process of reentry. This reflects a collective belief in the importance of targeted support structures to navigate the complexities of post-incarceration life.Prison Trauma and Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS)
The American prison system inherently generates a traumatic environment, a reality exacerbated by factors such as the increased use of solitary confinement, notably witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Initiatives tied to cash bail often drive individuals towards plea convictions, while efforts for decarceration face challenges from laws disproportionately affecting those convicted of sex-related offenses. Despite data indicating that individuals convicted of "serious violent offenses" are less likely to be recriminalized, misleading narratives using 'violent/nonviolent' language contribute to arguments for prolonged sentences, keeping prisons overpopulated.
Beyond the dehumanizing nature of incarceration, a staggering 73% of incarcerated population reported verbal assaults, insults, or degradation by prison officers or staff. Sexual harassment affected 22%, and 20% experienced physical assault at the hands of correctional officers as reported in the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC). Instances of violence witnessed during incarceration saw significant spikes, with 96% of incarcerated individuals observing fighting, and 76% witnessing correctional officers using physical force.
Notably, incarcerated individuals face retaliation for reporting, grieving, or speaking up about conditions and mistreatment. Research dispels any doubt about the punitive and harmful nature of the U.S. prison-industrial complex, with almost 80% of those incarcerated having experienced solitary confinement at some point.