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Torture and PTSD: Prevalence, Sequelae, Protective Factors, and Therapy

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Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders

Abstract

The chapter analyzes the prevalence and nature of torture and its psychological, somatic, and social sequelae, as well as factors that protect survivors and contribute to recovery and effective treatment. Further, effective ways of helping torture victims are reviewed. The findings show that physical, sexual, and psychological torture composes a severe risk for the survivors’ mental health, as indicated by high levels of PTSD, somatic symptoms, and changes in cognitive and emotional processes, social relations, and personality. The protective mechanisms involve individual ways of processing the torture experience, such as coping strategies and cognitive-emotional reworking, and collective factors, such as social support, and ideological and religious commitment. The cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) are effective ways of helping torture survivors suffering of PTSD, while long-term, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive treatments may be beneficial for general adjustment.

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Abbreviations

CBT:

Cognitive-behavioral therapies

CPTSD:

Cumulative Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

CTD:

Cumulative Trauma Disorder

NET:

Narrative Exposure Therapy

OHCHR UN:

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

PAM:

Perpetual Avoidance Model

POW:

Prisoner of War

PTG:

Post-Traumatic Growth

PTS:

Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

PTSD:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

UN:

United Nations

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Sciences and Humanities, Psychology, University of Tampere, Linna Bld., Kalevankatu 5, FI-3314, Tampere, Finland

    Carla C. Schubert & Raija-Leena Punamäki

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  1. Carla C. Schubert
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  2. Raija-Leena Punamäki
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Correspondence to Carla C. Schubert .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Society and Health, Buckinghamshire New University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom

    Colin R. Martin

  2. FactyofLifeSci&Med,Diabts&NutrnSciRshDiv, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom

    Victor R. Preedy

  3. DepartofBiomedicalSci,SchoolofLifeScienc, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom

    Vinood B. Patel

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Schubert, C.C., Punamäki, RL. (2016). Torture and PTSD: Prevalence, Sequelae, Protective Factors, and Therapy. In: Martin, C., Preedy, V., Patel, V. (eds) Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08359-9_65

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