Countertransference and Ethical Principles of Torture Survivors - Essay Example

"Countertransference and Ethical Principles of Torture Survivors" is a perfect example of a paper on the disorder.
Torture is a procedure that puts an individual through both physical and mental trauma. The survivors usually require long-term treatment with combined therapy from physicians and psychologists. There have been many cases that involved the treatment of prisoners of war, for example, Vietnam War Veterans, and such situations have put physicians in the center of an ethical dilemma. As views with these prisoners are likely to conflict, physicians have to make ethical decisions on the appropriate therapeutic measures to take. In addition, the physicians themselves are prone to experiencing psychological and emotional stress. This paper will analyze the countertransference reactions that have been witnessed in the past whilst treating torture victims suffering from the posttraumatic stress disorder. In addition, the paper will attempt to provide ethical solutions for physicians and psychiatrists dealing with such cases.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological disturbance that comes with the inability to control one’s symptoms, pathogenesis, and the adverse effects that result from the disease.  The majority of torture survivors suffer from this disorder and as a result, tend to have depression along with other intrusive symptoms. The intrusive symptoms have responded positively to treatment, however, secondary behavioral traits such as withdrawal and estrangement have a poor prognosis and often become chronic. Treatment for this disorder involves psychological, biological, and other sociological interventions. Most torture survivors have impaired bodily function due to the physical trauma they experience under torture.

Since the introduction of treatment for post torture victims was introduced, countertransference has been observed. This includes cognitive and affective reactions as a part of the patient-doctor relationship. Surveys carried out have observed that most psychiatrists suffer from depression at some point during the treatment; in addition, they experience intolerance to violence in the media and anywhere outside their sessions. Ethical solutions have been created to assist physicians with countertransference. These have been divided into two; utilitarian and deontological theories. Principles associated with the deontological category include nonmaleficence, fidelity, beneficence, justice, and autonomy. Six ethical principles have also been established to assist physicians in assisting torture survivors.

A major problem associated with the treatment of torture victims is a lack of emotional relationships and therapists tend to be insensitive towards the patients. However, as time progresses a connection might develop between the patient and doctor. In this stage of treatment, justice and autonomy may be utilized. The physician is also at risk as stories from the patient can be emotionally disturbing and frightening. Therefore, it is essential for doctors to develop methodologies to cope with the countertransference reactions that they are likely to experience. The physician during treatment should also consider his feelings and emotions utilizing them to aid the patient in the most ethical way possible.

Questions

1. Define the term countertransference and its classification. What are some ways to manage these reactions?
2. What are the five basic principles used as a guideline for treating torture survivors suffering from post-traumatic disorders?
3. What are some adverse effects doctors acquire from dealing with patients suffering from post-traumatic disorders?