informed consent of the individual involved and by reiterating that you are not a professional psychologist. Observations may include a discussion of symptoms, including sleep disturbances, behavior changes, and mood. This may be corroborated by information from family or friends, when agreed on with the interviewee and when this does not pose a security threat to the interviewee (or yourself). Through interacting with the individual it is also possible to establish a degree of objectivity by taking notice of how the individual’s demeanor changes when discussing particular topics.147 In the interaction with an interviewee, it is important to adopt a sensitive and empathetic attitude as this may offer the individual some relief and helps build rapport. Ideally, this attitude will communicate to the individual that his/her complaints and suffering are recognized. 148 The Istanbul Protocol provides guidelines on common elements that should be taken into account when making observations on the psychological/psychiatric status of the interviewee. • History of the violations o Try to document the full account of the serious human rights violations, persecution and other relevant traumatic experiences that have affected the individual concerned. • Current psychological complaints o Describe affective, cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Record the frequency, as well as instances, of nightmares, hallucinations and startle response. • History of period after the violations o Make a record of current sources of stress, such as the separation or loss of loved ones. Inquire also about the individual’s ability to be productive, earn a living, care for his or her family and the availability of social support. • Substance use and abuse history 147 Michael Peel and Noam Lubell, MEDICAL INVESTIGATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF TORTURE: A HANDBOOK FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, 68 (2005), available at http://www.forensicmedical.nl/site/forensic/site.nsf/vimgfiles/CLIC-. 148 United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment ("Istanbul Protocol"), para. 240, HR/P/PT/8/Rev.1 (2004), available at: http://www.ohchr.org/documents/publications/training8rev1en.pdf. 106