The prolonged use of immigration detention has a devastating mental health impact that extends well beyond detainees’ release into the community, research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) shows.

The paper, by Professor Derrick Silove, Patricia Austin and Zachary Steel from UNSW’s Centre for Population Mental Health Research (CPMHR) and the School of Psychiatry, is the first comprehensive review of available research in Australia. It is published 4 October in the prestigious US-based Transcultural Psychiatry.

It summarises nine separate clinical investigations and research studies involving approximately 400 detainees surveyed across a 10 year period and draws on the findings of 24 official Commissions of Inquiry.

The data demonstrate that prolonged detention has adverse mental health and psychological impacts on adults, families and children, the authors say.

Not only is prolonged detention extremely destructive during incarceration, the psychological and mental health effects can be observed up to three years after release.

“We are doing long-term harm to vulnerable populations while putting an enormous and unnecessary burden onto community services,” says Zachary Steel senior lecturer at CPMHR.

“There are now a number of clinical studies which show the association between detention and poor mental health. Similarly, every piece of medical testimony from the health professionals concerned reflected their observation of deteriorating well-being in both adults and children in detention.

“But the most damning evidence is that the Commissions of Inquiry undertaken by the government and independent authorities, and there have been 24 over 10 years, are universally critical.”

“All inquiries reported evidence of severe mental illness, such as self harm, suicide attempts, and chronic depression in long-term detainees, including young children,” says Patricia Austin, senior clinical psychologist from St. Vincent’s Hospital who analysed the inquiries.

The authors say Australia is an example of how a modern, pluralistic society that subscribes to multiculturalism and liberal values can nevertheless adopt policies that are regressive from a human rights, transcultural and mental health perspective. These policies are often adhered to stubbornly even in the face of strong evidence that harm is being done.

“It’s time for both sides of government to take careful note about the impact of this policy,” Mr Steel says.