Clinical Research Directory

Charles Bonnet Syndrome in Low Vision Patients

Sponsor: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

Summary

Among patients with chronic and degenerative ocular diseases that cause visual limitations, the presence of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) may be detected as a comorbidity. CBS is as a phenomenon of complex visual hallucinations occurring in individuals with reduced visual function, in the absence of cognitive alterations, psychiatric and/or neurological conditions. It is estimated that 15.8% of patients with age-related macular degeneration and 13.5% among glaucoma patients have CBS. Prevalence rates vary widely, and this may depend on inconsistent diagnostic criteria, variability in the questions used to determine if an individual has visual hallucinations, and the reluctance of people to admit to having strange visions for fear of being considered mentally ill. Visual hallucinations can be invasive and debilitating, compromising mental health, quality of life, and rehabilitation in visually impaired individuals. Patients may experience confusion, anxiety, anger, paranoia, and social isolation. Regarding psychological aspects, about a third of patients report experiencing distress and fear,higher anxiety and social dysfunction particularly during the initial onset of symptoms and in the terminal stage of the disease.Screening questionnaires will be used.

Official title: Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS): Prevalence and Characteristics of Visual Hallucinations. Psychological Profile of the Visually Impaired Patient With CBS

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