Affect changes observed with right versus left lateral visual field stimulation in psychotherapy patients: possible...

Seventy psychotherapy patients were given two pairs of goggles each taped over to allow vision from only the left or the right lateral visual field (LVF and RVF). Sixty percent reported at least a one-point difference between visual fields on a five-point anxiety scale; 23% reported at least a two-point difference. Among 21 patients with major depression, 11 reported greater anxiety through the LVF, four reported greater anxiety through the RVF, and six reported no difference. Among 18 with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 10 reported greater anxiety from the RVF and four from the LVF, and four reported no difference. The absolute difference in anxiety ratings was significantly greater (P < .001) between the two pairs of experimental goggles than between two pairs of control goggles allowing monocular vision among 40 patients in whom the four pairs were tested. During a subsequent psychiatric interview, 40 of 49 patients who were responsive while using the experimental goggles manifested an intensification of their usual symptoms on one side and an alleviation on the other. The possible physiological, psychological, and therapeutic implications of these findings are discussed.