It is charged that psychiatric medications are often employed inappropriately -- particularly in public institutions -- as "chemical straitjackets" to control rather than to treat deviant behavior. The data for this study come from a 1986 survey of mental disability among prison inmates that was conducted by the State's Office of Mental Health. Findings show that clinical characteristics predominate in the prescription process. Specifically, psychiatric impairments, measured by levels of depression, manifest symptomatology, aggressiveness, and prior psychiatric hospitalization, were found to be highly significant predictors of drug prescription. The findings support the position that the influence of social factors is greatest when the individual's clinical condition is less severe. Thus the decision to prescribe medication for mildly impaired inmates appears to be influenced by social factors. However, social status characteristics are less likely to influence physicians' clinical judgments when an inmate's behavior is unquestionably bizarre or disruptive. 4 tables, 3 notes, and 41 references. (Author abstract modified)