The Results of Solitary Confinement

Researchers have found that when prisoners are placed in solitary confinement with little human contact and minimal sensory stimulation, severe psychological and physical issues often ensue: depression, anxiety, hallucinations, impaired brain functioning, paranoia, psychosis, uncontrollable rage, weight loss, hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, self-harm, and/or suicide.

As some leading psychologists explain, “Solitary confinement is not a natural state for us as social creatures who require human contact and human touch to maintain our very sense of ‘self.’” Solitary confinement…