Presentation Information
[O-12-05]Irregular Migrants in Administrative Detention: Psychiatric Implications and Systemic Disparities - A Cross-National Overview
*Tommaso Cerisola (Università degli Studi di Genova(Italy))
Keywords:
Administrative detention,Mental health,Immigration,Human rights,Migrant health
Background: Administrative detention, particularly in the context of migration control, represents a growing global practice with significant implications for public health and human rights. While designed as a non-punitive measure, administrative detention often replicates or exceeds the psychological stressors of criminal incarceration. Mental health consequences in these settings remain underexplored, especially from a comparative international perspective.
Objective:This presentation aims to explore the psychiatric impact of administrative detention across different countries, with a particular focus on disparities in access to mental health care, legal safeguards, and detention conditions. Emphasis is placed on identifying structural and systemic factors that exacerbate or mitigate psychiatric morbidity among detained individuals.
Methods: Relevant peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and qualitative studies published between 2015 and 2025 were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature was searched using English and Italian keywords, covering both European and international contexts. A comparative matrix was used to organize findings across countries.
Results: Preliminary findings show high prevalence rates of depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation among detainees, often compounded by limited access to psychiatric care, indefinite detention periods, and legal uncertainty. Notable differences emerged between countries in terms of maximum detention duration, medical support availability, and procedural safeguards. Australia and the United States exhibit some of the most restrictive environments, whereas countries like Germany and the UK demonstrate relatively better access to mental health services, despite persistent gaps.
Conclusions: Administrative detention poses substantial risks to mental health. Psychiatric vulnerability is intensified by legal ambiguity and inadequate health infrastructure. This review highlights the urgent need for policy reform and harmonization of international standards to ensure the protection of psychological well-being in detention settings.
Objective:This presentation aims to explore the psychiatric impact of administrative detention across different countries, with a particular focus on disparities in access to mental health care, legal safeguards, and detention conditions. Emphasis is placed on identifying structural and systemic factors that exacerbate or mitigate psychiatric morbidity among detained individuals.
Methods: Relevant peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and qualitative studies published between 2015 and 2025 were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature was searched using English and Italian keywords, covering both European and international contexts. A comparative matrix was used to organize findings across countries.
Results: Preliminary findings show high prevalence rates of depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation among detainees, often compounded by limited access to psychiatric care, indefinite detention periods, and legal uncertainty. Notable differences emerged between countries in terms of maximum detention duration, medical support availability, and procedural safeguards. Australia and the United States exhibit some of the most restrictive environments, whereas countries like Germany and the UK demonstrate relatively better access to mental health services, despite persistent gaps.
Conclusions: Administrative detention poses substantial risks to mental health. Psychiatric vulnerability is intensified by legal ambiguity and inadequate health infrastructure. This review highlights the urgent need for policy reform and harmonization of international standards to ensure the protection of psychological well-being in detention settings.