22 A practical guide to the Istanbul Protocol – for psychologists sessment’). An individual who has survived torture may have trouble expressing in words his or her experiences and symptoms. In some cases, it may be helpful to use trauma event and symptom checklists or questionnaires. If the interviewer believes it may be helpful to utilize trauma event and symptom checklists, there are numerous questionnaires available, although none are specific to torture victims” (Istanbul Protocol, § 286). It is observed that in some countries and/or in some situations courts and/or other authorities tend to give more importance to the results of psychometric tests and consider them more objective or give more priority than the clinical impression that the clinicians obtain as a result of several interviews. However, for the psychological evaluation of trauma; the clinical interview, evaluation and the subsequent clinical formulation the clinician reaches is fundamental, whereas the psychological tests have complementary value. It is the clinician himself/herself who will decide if there is any need to use any psychological testing for all the evaluation processes; the clinician must make his own decision without any interference to his/her clinical independence. (See also chapter VI, section C.4 in the Istanbul Protocol.) 11. CLINICAL IMPRESSION An essential aspect of the psychiatric evaluation is the formulation of a concise statement of the interviewer’s understanding of the case. Interpretation of the findings and formulation of a clinical impression is the last stage where the whole interview is discussed and evaluated; therefore care must be taken while formulating a clinical decision. This is discussed in detail under a separate heading. (See also §§ 287-288 and §§ 157-160 in the Istanbul Protocol and Part E in this guide). 12. RECOMMENDATIONS The recommendations following the psychological evaluation depend on the questions posed at the time the evaluation was requested. The issues under consideration may concern legal and judicial matters, asylum, resettlement, and a need for treatment. Recommendations can be for further assessments, such as neuro-psychological testing, medical or psychiatric treatment or a need for security or asylum. The clinician should not hesitate to insist on any consultation and examination that he or she considers necessary. In the course of documenting psychological evaluation of torture allegations the clinicians are not absolved of their ethical obligations. Evaluation for documentation of torture for medical-legal reasons should be combined with an assessment for other needs of the victim. Those who appear to be in need of further medical or psychological care should be referred to the appropriate services. Clinicians should be aware of the local rehabilitation and support services. (See §§ 275-291 in the Istanbul Protocol.)