| Title: |
Psychological Profile and Visual Function in Charles Bonnet Syndrome: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study |
| Authors: |
Emanuela Rellini; Valeria Silvestri; Margherita Guidobaldi; Simona Turco; Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo; Eliana Costanzo; Filippo Amore; Stefania Fortini |
| Source: |
Healthcare ; Volume 14 ; Issue 7 ; Pages: 885 |
| Publisher Information: |
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Collection: |
MDPI Open Access Publishing |
| Subject Terms: |
Charles Bonnet syndrome; low vision; anxiety; depression; psychological distress |
| Description: |
Purpose: The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the prevalence of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) among patients attending the National Centre of Service and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Vision Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired, Rome, Italy. Furthermore, the research aimed to delineate the psychological profile of these individuals to determine whether significant differences exist compared with visually impaired patients who do not experience hallucinatory phenomena and to identify likely predictors. Methods: A preliminary cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of patients recruited between January 2025 and December 2025. Prevalence was calculated based on structured clinical interviews, while the psychological profile was assessed by comparing the CBS group with a control group (non-CBS) matched for visual acuity. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmological and psychological assessments, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reading acuity (RA), contrast sensitivity (CS), fixation stability, and retinal sensitivity (RS). Psychological status was evaluated using the Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7). Patients experiencing CBS were further interviewed regarding the specific characteristics and patterns of their hallucinations. The association between CBS and both psychological profiles and visual function parameters was evaluated using regression analysis. Results: Out of 385 individuals screened, 120 participants (58% women; mean age 55.4 ± 18.8 years) were included; CBS was detected in 19%. No significant differences were observed between participants with and without CBS in demographic variables or psychological questionnaire scores (p > 0.05). Mean SCL-90-R, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores indicated mild psychological distress, depression, and anxiety, with no significant group differences (p > 0.05). Using standard cut-off ... |
| Document Type: |
text |
| File Description: |
application/pdf |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-being; https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14070885 |
| DOI: |
10.3390/healthcare14070885 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14070885 |
| Rights: |
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.760B5A57 |
| Database: |
BASE |