Neurological effects of torture

Since the intent of most torture is to break down the self-confidence and humiliate the victims, they are left with deep psychological problems that may never be resolved. In addition to the physical aspect of torture, the most difficult to deal with are those of psychological torture. Victims may feel they have been stripped of their dignity, distrust the world, feel guilty about being tortured, have lost their self-confidence. They retain an incredibly detailed and clear memory of their experiences, and this forms the basis of the anxiety with which they are left. Everyday situations may provoke attacks of fear or panic, for example, the sound of a car door slamming, the sight of a policeman, transport in a lift or visiting the doctor.