Torture

About: Torture is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 8173 publications have been published within this topic receiving 109895 citations.

Torture and Its Consequences: A Challenge to Clinical Neuropsychology

Abstract: The high incidence of head trauma and other causes of brain damage during political torture challenges psychologists and other health professionals to consider the need for thorough neurological and neuropsychological evaluations of the survivors they may treat. In this article, the authors argue for contributions to the assessment, documentation, and rehabilitation of the consequences of torture from the perspective of clinical neuropsychology on the basis of ethical, humanitarian, and epidemiological considerations. Traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder are among the most common sequelae of torture. Neuropsychologists are uniquely qualified to make significant contributions in this area. Indications and limitations of the utility of neuropsycholo gical assessment in the documentation of torture are discussed, and a brief clinical case study is provided. Thousands of psychologists worldwide have been active in helping large numbers of survivors recover from torture, and their number has steadily grown (Gorman, 2001). To date, neuropsychologists have hardly been represented in this effort, although their engagement could be very valuable to the recovery of survivors. The practicing neuropsychologist who wishes to contribute to the welfare of these most deserving individuals faces a number of challenges and opportunities that are addressed in this article. For information on incidence and prevalence of politically based torture, as well as worldwide efforts in torture rehabilitation, the reader is referred to the overview provided by Gorman (2001) as well as Jaranson (1995, 1998), Basoglu (1992), and Suedfeld

The Legality of the Use of Psychiatric Neuroimaging in Intelligence Interrogation

Abstract: This Note examines the legality of the use of a form of psychiatric neuroimaging called functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in the interrogation of detainees in U.S. custody. Part I provides background on current U.S. interrogation doctrine and the potential role of fMRI in interrogation. Part II examines fMRI in light of International Humanitarian Law, arguing that while its use to detect deception in the voluntary statements of detainees is permissible, its involuntary use in interrogation would violate the anti-coercion provisions of the Geneva Conventions. Part III examines fMRI in light of International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and the U.S. Constitution, arguing that although fMRI would not constitute torture its use may shock the conscience and, in many cases, would be illegal under IHRL and the Constitution. If the government can articulate a sufficient interest in obtaining information from the detainee, however, its use would not violate current law. The Note concludes by arguing that although fMRI does not represent a complete technological solution to the legal problem of torture, it nevertheless is permissible in certain limited instances.

Emotional suppression in torture survivors: Relationship to posttraumatic stress symptoms and trauma-related negative affect.

Abstract: While clinical reports suggest that torture survivors may try to suppress their emotions during torture, little is known about the use of emotional suppression following torture. In this study, 82 refugees and asylum-seekers (including 33 torture survivors) completed self-report measures of trait suppression, PTSD symptoms and baseline negative affect before being exposed to images depicting scenes of interpersonal trauma. The use of suppression while viewing the images was indexed and negative affect was measured both immediately after viewing the images and following a five minute rest period. Findings indicated that torture survivors did not show higher rates of trait suppression or state emotional suppression during the experimental session compared to non-torture survivors. However, torture survivors who endorsed state suppression higher levels of distress, and this relationship was especially strong for those with more severe PTSD symptoms. In contrast, there was a negative relationship between state suppression and distress for non-torture survivors with high levels of PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest that, while torture exposure does not lead to greater use of suppression, it does influence the impact of suppression on emotional responses to stimuli.

Managing chronic pain in survivors of torture

Abstract: All generalist and specialist clinicians are likely to encounter torture survivors among refugees and asylum seekers. A minority of people survive torture and a smaller minority reach a developed country; those who do tend to be the more resilient and resourceful. They have many health, social and welfare problems; persistent pain in the musculoskeletal system is one of the most common. There is little specific evidence on pain in survivors of torture; the guidelines on interdisciplinary specialist management are applicable. Most of the literature on refugee survivors of torture has an exclusive focus on psychological disorders, with particularly poor understanding of pain problems. This article summarizes the current status of assessment and treatment of pain problems in the torture survivor.