Many people arrive at prisons or jails in poor health, and the conditions in carceral facilities — particularly solitary confinement, overcrowding, and extreme temperatures — can worsen health (see table). The negative mental and physical health effects of solitary confinement are well documented. A large body of evidence shows how extreme isolation increases self-harm and suicidal ideation, loneliness, and cardiovascular disease; exacerbates chronic conditions; and increases the risk of death after release. Reducing solitary confinement can have positive effects on the health of both residents and staff. Therefore, it is critical that health care professionals assess and document the psychological harm experienced by patients in isolation and advocate against the use of solitary confinement and for the return of patients to a less isolating environment as quickly as possible. Learn more in a new review by Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, PhD (@dronlylbr), @justinberk, MD, MPH, and Brie A. Williams, MD: nej.md/3XmIhGG