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Published on: April 14, 2014
A Case Report on Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Husain Maruzairi1, Chin Lie Joo2
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Insights
Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) involves visual hallucinations in visually impaired individuals. Educating patients and clinicians about CBS can reduce distress and manage symptoms effectively.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is characterized by visual hallucinations in individuals with significant visual impairment.
- CBS is often underdiagnosed and underreported due to patient stigma and lack of clinician awareness.
- Limited knowledge of CBS can lead to patient distress, misdiagnosis, and potential development of psychosis, particularly in the elderly.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient experiencing worsening visual impairment.
- The patient presented with classic Charles Bonnet Syndrome symptoms.
- The condition progressed to include visual hallucinations and persecutory delusions.
Findings:
- Providing patients with information about CBS and appropriate antipsychotic treatment reduced distress.
- The patient's visual hallucinations and delusions showed improvement following intervention.
- Education and reassurance are key components in managing CBS.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of CBS among healthcare professionals is crucial for early identification and management.
- Clinicians should proactively educate visually impaired patients about CBS to mitigate potential psychological distress.
- Effective management strategies involve patient education, reassurance, and pharmacological interventions when necessary.
Abstract:
Objective: Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) consists of visual hallucinations occurring in patients with visual impairment. CBS is commonly overlooked by medical professionals and underreported by patients due to the underlying stigma attached to the presence of hallucinations. Lack of awareness regarding CBS among medical professionals may lead to failures in providing forewarning and education to patients with visual impairment. In patients who are not familiar with CBS, this might lead to a higher risk of distress, misattribution to cultural belief or mental illness, and the potential of developing psychosis, especially in elderly patients with other modalities of sensory deprivation. This case report aims to increase awareness and knowledge about CBS among clinicians for the proper management of patients. Method : This case illustrated a patient with worsening visual impairment who presented with typical CBS and later progressed to visual hallucination and persecutory delusion Results: Providing information on CBS and antipsychotics resulted in less distress and improved the patient's visual hallucination and delusion Conclusion: Education and reassurance play a role in the management of CBS. It is important for medical professionals to be aware of CBS and provide clear information for patients who are at risk to lower their distress.
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