LONG-TERM MENTAL SEQUELAE OF POLITICAL IMPRISONMENT IN EAST GERMANY

This paper presents an assessment of the long-term mental sequelae of prolonged stress due to political persecution and imprisonment in the German Democratic Republic. Fifty-five former political prisoners with enduring psychiatric disorders were examined retrospectively in an ex ploratory study. The patients' experiences before, during, and after i mprisonment were investigated using a semistructured interview. Psycho pathological symptoms were assessed on clinical and self-rating scales ; diagnostic classification was conducted according to DSM-III-R. The patients had experienced serious trauma, including psychological tortu re, long-term imprisonment, and solitary confinement. We diagnosed a c haracteristic syndrome involving symptoms of depression and anxiety wi th vegetative complaints and increased arousal. In 35 (64%) patients, the symptoms persisted over an extended period without improvement. Th is syndrome resembles psychiatric disorders found after other forms of political persecution. It may be concluded that prolonged individuall y experienced political stress situations, even if they are not life-t hreatening, may have long-term mental sequelae.