Future research on the mental health of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) should focus on:Longitudinal studies:Tracking the mental health of PDLs over time to understand how incarceration impacts their well-being. Screening tools:Developing and validating tools for identifying suicide risk and severe mental illness with low false positive rates. Treatment effectiveness:Investigating the efficacy of different pharmacological and psychological treatments, including group-based therapies, for common mental disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Diversion strategies:Exploring evidence-based approaches to divert mentally ill offenders from prison, particularly women and young people. Economic factors:Researching the impact of financial hardship and poverty on mental health within the prison system. Mental health literacy:Increasing mental health literacy among PDLs and prison staff. Addressing stigma:Implementing strategies to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness in prison settings. Family support:Investigating the role of family support and contact in mitigating the negative impacts of incarceration. Additionally, research should consider the unique challenges faced by PDLs, including:The impact of the prison environment:Examining the effects of overcrowding, isolation, and violence on mental health. Trauma and substance abuse:Addressing the high rates of trauma and substance use disorders among PDLs. The needs of specific populations:Investigating the mental health needs of women, youth, and individuals with specific disabilities within the prison system.