Signs and symptoms of mental health problems and illnesses
The most common mental disorders among torture survivors include PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder and somatic disorders (C de C Williams & van der Merwe, 2013).
Common signs and symptoms resulting from torture include but are not limited to:
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Extreme anxiety
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Impaired memory
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Insomnia and nightmares
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Emotional disturbance
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Intrusive thoughts and impaired concentration
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Sexual dysfunction
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Occupational and social impairment
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Somatic symptoms
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Substance abuse
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Learned hopelessness
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Fear of intimacy
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Depersonalization and dissociation
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Changes in identity
Survivors' symptoms can vary according to learned patterns of coping and the individual's particular ethnic, political and spiritual perspectives through which experiences are viewed.
When using standardized instruments such as screening questionnaires or psychological tests, providers should exercise extra caution as these tools may be triggering (as discussed earlier in the module).