KUALA LUMPUR: Resentment and the desire for revenge are the primary motives that can drive someone to carry out an acid attack.
Senior Psychology Officer at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Nur Asyikah Azahari said, this is among the factors causing an individual to do things out of control despite knowing the profound effects on the victim.
She said another factor could be extreme anger causing someone to do unexpected things to the victim.
"However, due to the acid attack, victims may suffer lifelong trauma or can be treated.
"The effects of acid attacks can cause trauma to victims and if they don't receive psychological help, victims may experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
"These disorders can occur in some individuals after they experience trauma," she said when contacted.
She said acid attacks also affect the psychological state of victims who may experience depression.
According to her, victims may also experience hyperarousal such as difficulty sleeping or restlessness, easily startled, difficulty concentrating, and feelings such as difficulty remembering or losing interest in activities.
"Moreover, victims also experience re-experiencing traumatic events as if they are happening again in the present, known as flashbacks.
Vivid nightmares are also a traumatic experience.
"Acid attacks cause permanent disabilities and painful injuries, so victims of these incidents are more likely to suffer more severe trauma.
"Therefore, victims need professional assistance to cope during difficult times in life and to restore emotional stability and make self-adjustments," she said.