[Torture survivors in Norway--physician's responsibility].
BACKGROUND
Many political refugees who seek asylum in Norway have been imprisoned and subjected to torture. This review is based on the author's personal experience since 1976.


METHODS
44 men (22-45 years of age) and 9 women (23-32 years of age), all of them exposed to physical torture, were included in the study. The methods of torture are described. They were all given a full clinical examination by the author, including photos of possible injuries.


RESULTS
The survivors showed physical and sexual sequelae, for instance multiple fractures of bones and teeth, tinnitus, broken testicles.


CONCLUSIONS
In my opinion, the most important therapist for torture victims is their general practitioner, who should work with nurses, physiotherapists, dentists and psychologists.
Cohn
J
J
Institutt for klinisk medisin Universitetet i Tromsø, MH-Breivika 9037 Tromsø.
D000328:Adult; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010819:Physician's Role; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D014104:Torture / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation