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Prevalence of psychosocial disturbances in children with nonorganic visual loss
Alexander Taich1, Sue Crowe, Gregory S Kosmorsky
1Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Insights
Psychiatric conditions and psychosocial stress are common in children with nonorganic visual loss. Ruling out these underlying issues is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Child Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Nonorganic visual loss in children presents diagnostic challenges.
- Understanding associated psychiatric and psychosocial factors is essential.
Observation:
- A case series of 71 pediatric patients with nonorganic visual symptoms was reviewed.
- Ophthalmologic findings, medical, and social histories were analyzed.
Findings:
- Previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression, ADHD) were present in 26.7% of patients.
- Significant home and school stress was identified in 31% of patients.
- 14.1% of cases had an undetermined cause for visual symptoms.
Implications:
- Pediatric nonorganic visual loss warrants thorough evaluation for underlying psychiatric conditions.
- Addressing psychosocial stressors is vital for comprehensive patient care.
- Early identification of psychiatric comorbidities can improve visual outcomes.
Purpose:
To report on the prevalence of psychiatric disease and psychosocial stress in children with nonorganic visual loss.
Materials And Methods:
Case series of 71 consecutive pediatric patients with a variety of nonorganic visual signs and symptoms. Chart review of ophthalmologic findings and details of medical and social history with main outcome measures of prevalence of psychiatric disease and psychosocial stress.
Results:
Psychological/psychiatric disturbances in the form of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had been previously diagnosed in 19 (26.7%) patients. We had a very high index of suspicion of psychiatric illness in another four patients. Furthermore, we uncovered significant home and school stress in 22 (31%) patients. Sixteen (22.5%) patients wanted glasses and in 10 (14.1%) patients no cause for the behavior could be determined. Of those patients who wanted glasses, girls outnumbered boys 3:1.
Conclusions:
An underlying psychiatric or psychosocial disturbance should be ruled out in children who present with nonorganic visual loss.
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