Mental illness is a huge problem among inmates in prisons and jails all across the nation. The problem is extremely evident at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center in Murfreesboro. Lt. Chris Deal stated...

Sheriff Robert Arnold told WGNS that many of those with mental illness fail to properly take their medication. Once jailed, they are able to get back on track with their needed prescription.

Again, 74% of females and and 43% of males in the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center are on psychotropic medications.

What is a psychotropic medications:

Psychotropic/psychiatric medications affect the brain and central nervous system. They alter the process of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which act as chemical messengers between the brain cells. Medication is prescribed when symptoms of mental or emotional illness are severe, persistent, and interfere with normal functioning.

Hear even more about this growing problem below:

Complete soundbyte that also has Sheriff Robert Arnold further describing the problem of mental illness in the local jail (2min and 2sec):