Purpose of review: Torture has become a key theme in healthcare and a rising number of publications, especially over the last years, confirm its relevance also in regard to mental health.
Recent findings: Torture survivors appear to be a frequent but also underdetected group in clinical and general populations. Exposure to further stressful and traumatic events is common. Sequelae include posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, depressive disorders, and more, but so far insufficiently explored and partly culture-based, reactive symptoms. Symptoms are frequently chronic and can be hard to treat even in cost-intensive treatment settings. Medical ethics are challenged in several situations, including documentation, in speaking up against and reporting of torture, and in the refusal to participate in or condone any form of torture.
Summary: Torture prevention and interdisciplinary rehabilitation of survivors must receive more attention, and healthcare professionals have an obligation to take a substantial role in this effort.