ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT APPROACHES FOR SURVIVORS OF TORTURE

Background. Torture, with its personal, cultural, political and psycho social effects, is presented as a complex trauma. The efficacy of diff erent treatment modalities for those survivors who need assistance is examined critically. Method. International literature searches using M EDLINE and Psych-Info, books and relevant book chapters were examined. Results. One hundred and twenty-five articles were selected for analy sis; 30 of the most relevant are discussed. Conclusions. Discrete appr oaches to treatment have been developed, but many have yet to be evalu ated critically. Common therapeutic elements are outlined. It is recom mended that an integrated, flexible, client-centred approach utilising several techniques is most likely to achieve best results. Wider soci o-political aspects should be taken into account, and treatment must b e consistent with cultural expectations. Future directions for researc h are outlined and the role of primary prevention is stressed.