Mike Hudack is a tumblelog.

Torture and its effects on memory function

abcsoupdot:

benjaminjl:

New neuroscientific research suggests that enhanced interrogation techniques used by the Bush Administration may have been counterproductive in gaining factual information. Professor Shane O’Mara, from the Institute of Neuroscience from Trinity College in Dublin Ireland explains:

“Given our current cognitive neurobiological knowledge, it is unlikely that coercive interrogations involving extreme stress will facilitate release of truthful information from long term memory,” concludes Professor O’Mara. “On the contrary, these techniques cause severe, repeated and prolonged stress, which compromises brain tissue supporting both memory and decision making.”

Sharon Begely’s “The Tortured Brain” is another excellent article on this topic.