Hemolacria secondary to major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder: A case report

Hemolacria can occur on the basis of a psychiatric disorder without an organic cause. However, this should be a diagnosis of exclusion. Treatment of the underlying psychiatric illness may relieve this condition.

A 24-year-old man presented with the chief complaint of bloody tears, which began 4 months earlier after commencing mandatory military service. He had no underlying diseases, and all work-ups returned normal, though a microscopic examination confirmed red blood cells. He was diagnosed with hemolacria secondary to generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, responding to propranolol and sertraline. Hemolacria was totally cured after 6 months of treating the underlying psychiatric illness.