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Module 1: Trauma, Recovery and Torture Survivors

Diagnoses

In the U.S., Canada, and a number of other countries, diagnoses of mental disorders are
made on the basis of categories published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition: DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Some
1
of the disorders listed in that manual that most often affect survivors are discussed below.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common diagnoses for survivors and it may make it difficult
for them to enjoy daily life. Days may be filled with sadness and tears.

Survivors may find that they no longer are interested in many aspects of their lives that
they used to enjoy. They may no longer want to go to the church or mosque. They may stop
reading, even if reading was something that they once enjoyed. They may have an increase
or decrease in appetite. Some individuals are unable to sleep or may find themselves sleeping
too much. Individuals may feel that they have no energy. Some experience significant
difficulty with their memory, including their ability to learn new information.

Man with depression at home

1 This standard diagnostic manual is known as DSM-5, which stands for The Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. This work is published by the American Psychiatric Association
to help classify mental disorders. The DSM-5 is used in the U.S., Canada, and many other parts of the
world. It is, however, important to keep in mind that there can be cross-cultural variations on how emotional
distress is demonstrated and perceived.

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