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The SHU Syndrome in Administrative Segregation

Citations

References Available Per Request

Wanda Pearson:Senior Psychology Major

Missouri Western State University

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Introduction

Administrative Segregation is a common practice to isolate inmates for security, but there are concerns about the effects of segregation. This poster will explore the SHU (Secure Housing Units) syndrome that develops in isolation (Grassian, 2006).

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Dr. Stuart Grassian (2006) found that inmates with pre-existing brain dysfunction and/or being subjected to isolation causes SHU syndrome. The research indicated that the most severe cases tend to be suffered by those with preexisting brain dysfunction (Grassian, 2006). Also, extensive time in segregation increases susceptibility to SHU (Rodriguez, 2013).

Dr. Grassian Pictured Below

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Conclusion

• Receive individual and group therapy during segregation.
• More time outside of their cell (Metzer & Fellner, 2010).
• Conducting mental health evaluations after segregation.
• Better mental health training for correctional staff (Strong et al., 2020).

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Treatment Suggestions for SHU

Symptoms of the Syndrome

It is a unique syndrome since it affects multiple sensory systems simultaneously: auditory, visual, olfactory, tactile, and kinesthetic senses (Grassian, 2006).

The closest comparable illnesses are delirium, brain tumors, or seizure disorders (Grassian, 2006).

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Symptoms:

• Intrusive, obsessional thoughts.
• Loss of impulse control.
• Objects "melt" or change form.
• Hearing voices.
• Physical touch is unpleasant.
• Progressive inability to tolerate ordinary sounds.

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The development of SHU syndrome

should be monitored in inmates. It is acknowledged that correctional health care have tight resources but there are treatment suggestions in lieu of typical segregation practices (Metzer & Fellner, 2010). Evaluations after segregation is recommended prior to returning to general population.