A researcher at UAMS has received a $3.3 million grant to investigate PTSD among prisoners

Little Rock, Arkansas – A researcher at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has received a grant of $3.3 million from the National Institute of Drug Abuse to investigate treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder among prisoners.

Officials announced that the study will investigate the advantages of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in comparison to the more conventional trauma-focused self-help methods for tackling PTSD. Melissa Zielinski, a professor of psychiatry at UAMS and the director of the Health and the Legal System Lab, is set to spearhead a study in 10 prisons spanning five states.

CPT has proven to be effective in addressing various forms of PTSD resulting from experiences such as child abuse, combat, sexual assault, and natural disasters. Zielinski has dedicated the past five years to studying CPT and its significance for individuals dealing with PTSD and substance use disorders in two correctional facilities in Arkansas. She views this recent multistate study as an opportunity to uncover innovative approaches aimed at disrupting the entrenched cycles of trauma, addiction, and incarceration that define the broader landscape of the nation’s prisons.

According to officials, approximately 5.5 million adults in the United States are currently either incarcerated or under some form of correctional supervision. About 85% of these individuals either have a current substance use disorder or have been incarcerated for a drug-related offense.

Zielinski reports that PTSD and substance use disorders heighten the likelihood of repeated arrests among individuals who have been previously incarcerated. Despite this reality, there are limited facilities in the U.S. that offer PTSD therapy for individuals in custody.

“For many years, it has been understood that individuals who end up in incarceration have largely faced multiple instances of trauma and that a significantly higher proportion of this group suffers from PTSD compared to the general population,” Zielinski stated. “However, we have not yet taken the step to systematically study our evidence-based therapies for PTSD within prison settings.”

The research will involve more than 600 incarcerated individuals, both male and female, along with approximately 100 prison staff members.

Zielinski noted, “Conversations with individuals working within the prison system often reveal a strong consensus on the significant impact of trauma exposure and PTSD on the reasons behind incarceration and the challenges faced by individuals after their release.”

“This is a daily occurrence for them.” This research presents a chance to enhance understanding of therapeutic approaches that could effectively break the cycle, benefiting the health of incarcerated individuals, their families, and the wider community.