Claim: Torture harms key parts of the brain that control fear, memory, and emotions.
Evidence: A study found that torture damages the amygdala, striatum, and hippocampus—areas that affect fear, joy, and memory (Liddle BJ, 2022).
Reasoning: This makes survivors feel stuck in fear, disconnected, and unable to trust others.
Claim: Torture weakens brain connections used for attention and decision-making.
Evidence: Research shows it damages parts of the brain responsible for focus and self-control (Liddle BJ, 2024).
Reasoning: This affects survivors’ ability to succeed at work, school, or social life—even if they seem okay.
Claim: Torture causes long-term brain and nerve damage.
Evidence: Survivors often deal with dizziness, headaches, and fainting during or after torture (Moreano, 2019).
Reasoning: These symptoms show how torture physically harms the brain, not just mentally.
Claim: Psychological torture causes serious mental health problems.
Evidence: Therapy and family care are key to helping survivors recover from trauma (Patel, 2020).
Reasoning: Healing means rebuilding trust, identity, and emotional strength—support matters.