Prevention of torture and care of survivors: an integrated approach

Article Abstract:

Systematic torture is a problem in approximately half the countries in the world but the care of torture survivors has received little attention from the medical and psychological communities. Amnesty International's 1992 report on torture states that torture was carried out in 93 countries. Reports of torture were significantly associated with Central and South America, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia and the Pacific region and Africa. A two-pronged strategy focusing on long-term eradication and short-term prevention must be pursued to eliminate torture. The care of torture survivors is a new field for many health professionals. Prevention of post traumatic stress disorder can be accomplished through early intervention that includes debriefing, self-help groups and a supportive social network. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of torture on survivors and to develop appropriate treatment strategies.

Care and treatment, Reports, Prevention, Amnesty International, Torture

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Long-term health outcomes and medical effects of torture among US Navy prisoners of war in Vietnam

Article Abstract:

Many prisoners of war appear to make it through the ordeal with little psychological trauma. A comparison of 70 former naval aviator POWs who had served in Vietnam and 55 naval aviators who were not POWs revealed that the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder was similar in the two groups. However, the POWs had higher rates of peripheral nerve disorders, joint diseases and back injuries than those who were not POWs. The POWs were also more likely to have peptic ulcer disease. The increased incidence of upper arm nerve disorders can be explained by the use of ropes, handcuffs and irons during captivity.

Health aspects, Prisoners of war, Vietnam veterans

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Psychiatric and cognitive effects of war in former Yugoslavia: Association of lack of redress for trauma and posttraumatic stress reactions

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to examine the mental health and cognitive effects of war trauma and how appraisal of redress for trauma and beliefs about justice, safety, war cause, and religion relate to posttraumatic stress responses in war survivors. The findings have important implications for reconciliation efforts in postwar countries and effective interventions for traumatized war survivors.

Yugoslavia, Psychological aspects, Risk factors, Wars, War, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Postwar society

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