Pedro Weisleder1, Caitlin Rublee2. 1. Division of Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA. weisleder.1@osu.edu. 2. Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: At any point in time, there are hundreds of armed conflicts throughout the world. Neuropsychological disorders are a major cause of morbidity during and after armed conflicts. Conditions such as closed and open head injuries, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and psychosis are prevalent among survivors. Herein, we summarize information on the various forms of torture, the resultant neuropsychological pathology, and treatment strategies to help survivors. RECENT FINDINGS: Strategies to address the needs of individuals who experienced neuropsychological trauma due to armed conflicts and torture include pharmacological and psychological interventions. The former includes antidepressant, antianxiety, and antipsychotic medications. The latter includes narrative exposure therapy and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. Neuropsychological disorders are major causes of morbidity among survivors of armed conflicts and torture. Treatment strategies must be affordable, applicable across cultures, and deliverable by individuals who understand the victims' psychosocial and ethnic background.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: At any point in time, there are hundreds of armed conflicts throughout the world. Neuropsychological disorders are a major cause of morbidity during and after armed conflicts. Conditions such as closed and open head injuries, acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and psychosis are prevalent among survivors. Herein, we summarize information on the various forms of torture, the resultant neuropsychological pathology, and treatment strategies to help survivors. RECENT FINDINGS: Strategies to address the needs of individuals who experienced neuropsychological trauma due to armed conflicts and torture include pharmacological and psychological interventions. The former includes antidepressant, antianxiety, and antipsychotic medications. The latter includes narrative exposure therapy and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. Neuropsychological disorders are major causes of morbidity among survivors of armed conflicts and torture. Treatment strategies must be affordable, applicable across cultures, and deliverable by individuals who understand the victims' psychosocial and ethnic background.
Authors: Shahin Zandieh; Reinhard Bernt; Peter Knoll; Thomas Wenzel; Karl Hittmair; Joerg Haller; Klaus Hergan; Siroos Mirzaei Journal: Medicine (Baltimore) Date: 2016-04 Impact factor: 1.889
Authors: Ana Carla Schippert; Ellen Karine Grov; Tone Dahl-Michelsen; Juha Silvola; Bente Sparboe-Nilsen; Stein Ove Danielsen; Mariann Aaland; Ann Kristin Bjørnnes Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-11-05 Impact factor: 2.692