# Variations in services and intervention pathways for traumatic stress in Welsh prisons: A national survey

## TL;DR

This study surveyed Welsh prisons to assess how traumatic stress disorders are addressed, finding inconsistent services and recommending a unified treatment pathway.

## Contribution

The study highlights the need for a standardized, consensus-based pathway for treating traumatic stress in Welsh prisons.

## Key findings

- Welsh prisons show variation in providing NICE-recommended therapies for traumatic stress.
- A consensus-based pathway is needed to improve treatment for PTSD and CPTSD in prisons.
- Frontline staff and trauma experts should collaborate to develop this pathway.

## Abstract

Both Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are prevalent in prison settings. Both often go undetected and untreated, while prisoners who already suffered previous trauma may be re-traumatised upon imprisonment. The current study aimed to conduct a national survey of all Welsh prisons to gather information about existing services and treatments for traumatic stress. The survey identified variation within Welsh prisons with regard to NICE-recommended evidence-based therapies. It is therefore recommended that there needs to be development of a pathway of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the prison system which should be achieved through a consensus process of both frontline staff and experts in the field.