It would facilitate the recognition of physical consequences of torture if health profes- sionals were familiar with the physical consequences of other non-accidental injuries in children. The shaken infant syndrome has been described as occurring only in very young children, seldom older than two years of age. However, symptoms similar to the shaken infant syndrome have been diagnosed in an adult who had been subjected to shaking during interrogation.
Psychological issues arising after torture
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and loss of interest, loss of libido
Substance abuse
Feelings of guilt, rage, anger, helplessness
Bouts of crying
Self harm
Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Loss of appetite
Sleep disturbances
Nightmares
Fear of meeting people or going out
Extreme fear for safety of family members
Preoccupation with death
Preoccupation with revenge
Psychosomatic – pain in parts of the body which don’t have a medical diagnosis. It is important to distinguish between chronic pain arising out of the torture itself.
Hallucinations
Bed-wetting
Dissociation or detachment
Extreme religiousity
Rejection of religion
Adjustment issues
Inability to concentrate
Sweating
Palpitations
Compulsive behaviour
Emotional blunting
Unresponsive to activities around
Hyperarousal
Violence
Flashbacks
Comments