Fact Check: "Psychological torture can have long-lasting effects on mental health."
What We Know
The claim that psychological torture can have long-lasting effects on mental health is supported by a significant body of research. According to a study published in the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, survivors of torture often experience chronic psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which can persist long after the traumatic events have occurred (source-1).
Furthermore, a review of literature indicates that the psychological impact of torture is profound and can lead to various mental health disorders, which are often exacerbated by the survivors' current circumstances, such as poverty and social isolation (source-4). Another study highlights that psychological forms of torture, which may be perceived as less severe than physical torture, can nonetheless result in serious long-term mental health consequences (source-6).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The Journal of Trauma & Dissociation article notes that long-term psychological problems reported by torture survivors are typically classified as trauma, anxiety, and depression, indicating a clear link between psychological torture and lasting mental health issues (source-1).
Moreover, a study examining the functional brain connectivity of torture survivors found alterations in brain structures and functions, which may contribute to the psychological symptoms experienced by these individuals (source-2). This suggests that the effects of psychological torture are not only emotional but also physiological, further complicating recovery.
While some sources may have varying focuses—such as the impact of torture on specific demographics or the nuances of treatment—the overarching consensus is that psychological torture has significant and lasting effects on mental health. The reliability of these sources is high, as they are published in peer-reviewed journals and conducted by researchers in the field of psychology and trauma.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that psychological torture can have long-lasting effects on mental health is substantiated by extensive research indicating that survivors frequently experience chronic psychological issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The evidence from multiple studies demonstrates that the impact of psychological torture is profound and enduring, affecting both mental and physiological health.
Sources
- The psychological impact of torture - PMC. Link
- Torture exposure and the functional brain: investigating disruptions to ... Link
- The Long-Term Mental Health Consequences of Torture ... Link
- Part I: Torture and mental health: a review of the literature Link
- The Lingering Effects of Torture — The Center for the Study of Human ... Link
- Torture and trauma Link
