The physical and psychological effects of torture in Kurds seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.

There were over 2000 applications for asylum from Turkish nationals to the UK in 2003. A large proportion of these were person of Kurdish origin, many of whom claimed to have suffered torture. We sought to evaluate the physical and psychological effects of torture in those with physical injuries. A total of 97 Kurdish asylum seekers requiring medical evaluation for evidence of torture were examined and interviewed in the presence of an interpreter. Physical injuries, pain, disability and psychopathology were documented for each. A wide variety of injuries and psychological disorders were documented. Posttraumatic stress disorder, major depression and organic brain damage were present in a substantial proportion of those surveyed. Methods of torture not previously documented were revealed. There are long term healthcare needs of this population, which are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. Survivors of torture may be disadvantaged in the asylum process because of organic brain damage or major psychological disturbance.