A Case Report on Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
Husain Maruzairi, Chin Lie Joo
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry April 2022 DOI: 10.18502/ijps.v17i2.8914 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A patient with worsening visual impairment who developed visual hallucinations and persecutory delusion |
| Intervention | antipsychotics |
| Keywords | Charles bonnet syndrome Delusion Visual hallucination Visual impairment |
| Key findings | The authors report that a visually impaired patient with Charles Bonnet Syndrome progressed from visual hallucinations to persecutory delusion, and that providing information about CBS along with antipsychotic treatment reduced distress and improved both the hallucinations and the delusion. They argue that clinician awareness, education, and reassurance are important for managing CBS and lowering patient distress. |
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.