Medical physical examination in connection with torture.

Abstract

The major content theme is divided into different organ systems that will be described with regard to the acute and somatic conse- quences of torture here and in the following two issues. The examination can have two purposes: in order to treat health problems and in or- der to document torture allegations. But physical examination for health problems cannot stand alone. It is not possible to look at a human being as a machine and limit ourselves to detection of physical machinery problems. Examination of torture survivors must look at the person from a holistic point of view, including physical, mental and social functioning. Other facts indirectly caused by torture may be taken into consideration: Tor- ture survival is often followed by refugee sta- tus. To be a refugee in itself has an influence on one's health, and mental problems have somatic consequences. When dealing with torture, the definition of the UN Convention against Torture is used. Section I contains:  Literature review  Pitfalls  Skin lesions