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Torture is a crime against humanity and it is frequently encountered in countries that have a history of military intervention such as Turkey. Torture still exists despite absolute prohibition by human rights and humanitarian law. More than 1 million people were tortured in Turkey since 1980 coup d'état. Documentation of medical evidence is a prominent step for prevention of torture. Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Istanbul Protocol) provides international standards for medical documentation of torture. A holistic approach to trauma stories together with physical and psychological findings has been the main frame of the Protocol. The aim of this study is to discuss physicians' responsibility for prevention of torture, and to emphasize the importance of holistic approach to the assessment of particularly chronic patients. A team of two forensic medicine experts and a psychiatrist examined three male patients, who allegedly had been tortured severely during the 1980 military coup. The team arranged necessary referrals and diagnostic examinations. After conducting a comprehensive medical examination, some physical and psychological findings of trauma were observed and documented even after 32 years. The medico-legal evaluation and documentation of these cases many years after torture under the guidance of Istanbul Protocol were presented and significance of psychological assessment was especially emphasized. Furthermore, possible evidence of torture after a long period and physicians' responsibility for prevention of torture is discussed., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Psychotic symptoms, psychotic-like experiences and schizotypal signs can emerge in different socio-cultural circumstances and cause clinical or non-clinical pictures. Transient or self-limiting psychotic-like experiences are more prevalent than clinical psychotic disorders. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of psychotic symptoms in an urban area., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the residents of two districts in the urban area of Izmir, Turkey. Among the systematically selected 1,500 residents of 85,212-study population, a total of 1,268 individuals (response rate: 84.5%) were screened for any lifetime psychotic symptoms., Results: Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to assess psychotic symptoms. CIDI (+) psychotic symptoms were found in 3.6% of the screened sample. Logistic regression analysis showed that being a female (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.2-5.1), having a first degree family history of any mental disorders (OR=13.9, 95% CI=5.7-34.3), lack of social support (OR=4.5, 95% CI=2.3-8.6) and alcohol use (OR=4.9, 95% CI=2.3-10.6) were all related to psychotic symptoms., Conclusion: Prevalence of any psychotic symptom is lower compared to European studies. Alcohol might be considered as a risk factor for developing psychotic symptoms in the Turkish cultural setting.