Abstract: Background: In prisons they are struggling in order to prevent inmates to commit suicide. However, the difficult conditions that occur in prisons can contribute to suicide. In countries such as Sweden, it appears that the individuals who are in need of psychiatric care do not get it. This is due to the difficulties which arise when the individual need care outside the prison. In institutions, there are not only more suicidal behavior, but many of the individuals who are imprisoned have demonstrated both suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior in the past.

Aim: The purpose of the review was to highlight the causes of suicide and suicide ideation in prison inmates.

Method: The method used was a literature review. Material has been collected through both systematic and unsystematic searches. 10 articles were included.

Results: The result that emerged in the overview were three main themes; mental health, prison environment and other conditions. Subthemes to these were; previous suicide attempt, previous mental illness, prison-related and criminal causes, feelings of hopelessness, sadness and guilt and finally the lack of help and support.

Conclusion: In order to prevent and remedy this problem, it is important to really find out the most common causes of the problem. And the staff in prisons must be able to detect signals on mental health. One must also be able to work preventively against it. There must be offered better knowledge and correctional should therefore take outside help when required.