Abstract
Numerous factors must be taken into account to best provide for the health and well-being of refugee patients in developed countries. One issue that is rarely considered is the awful and not uncommon occurrence of political torture. Large numbers of refugees and other displaced persons are survivors of political torture, and health care professionals must be prepared for this possibility when treating refugee patients. The effects of torture are pervasive, and we provide some practical considerations for health professionals who care for survivors of torture. Specific challenges include problems relating to exile and resettlement, somatic symptoms and pain, and the "medicalization" of torture sequelae.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Allodi F. A. Assessment and treatment of torture victims: a critical review. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1991 Jan;179(1):4–11. doi: 10.1097/00005053-199101000-00002. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Allodi F., Cowgill G. Ethical and psychiatric aspects of torture: a Canadian study. Can J Psychiatry. 1982 Mar;27(2):98–102. doi: 10.1177/070674378202700203. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Cathcart L. M., Berger P., Knazan B. Medical examination of torture victims applying for refugee status. Can Med Assoc J. 1979 Jul 21;121(2):179–184. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Goldfeld A. E., Mollica R. F., Pesavento B. H., Faraone S. V. The physical and psychological sequelae of torture. Symptomatology and diagnosis. JAMA. 1988 May 13;259(18):2725–2729. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Rasmussen O. V., Lunde I. Evaluation of investigation of 200 torture victims. Dan Med Bull. 1980 Nov;27(5):241–243. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Rasmussen O. V. Medical aspects of torture. Dan Med Bull. 1990 Jan;37 (Suppl 1):1–88. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Reid J. C., Strong T. Rehabilitation of refugee victims of torture and trauma: principles and service provision in New South Wales. Med J Aust. 1988 Apr 4;148(7):340–346. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1988.tb133735.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Somnier F. E., Genefke I. K. Psychotherapy for victims of torture. Br J Psychiatry. 1986 Sep;149:323–329. doi: 10.1192/bjp.149.3.323. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]