Secondary traumatization and burnout in professionals working with torture survivors.

Twenty-five professionals of the Treatment Center for Torture Victims in Berlin (BZFO) took part in a study about burnout, secondary traumatization and satisfaction with work. Burnout was very low, whereas PTSD-like symptoms were increased in mental health professionals as well as in administration staff. Beliefs about the value and safety of other people were most disrupted. Satisfaction with work was high. The insecure residence situation of most patients and the associated conflicts with state authorities were described as major stressors. Exposure to traumatic themes of patients was reported to be less stressful.