PURPOSE: To assess the psychological impact and the potential relationship between depression and visual impairment in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: Our study included 34 patients with RP and 35 age- and sex-matched controls. All participants underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated funduscopy, and they completed the Zung Depression Inventory questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Questionnaires were rated according to specific guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in PHQ-9 score and Zung score between patients with RP and controls. The BCVA differed significantly between the 2 groups as well. Older subjects presented significantly higher Zung score and PHQ-9 score, as well as worse BCVA in both eyes. Sex did not show any significant correlation as far as Zung score, PHQ-9 score, or BCVA. Zung score was correlated positively with PHQ-9 score, while both Zung and PHQ-9 score were positively correlated with BCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RP seem to present mild to moderate depressive symptoms in comparison with healthy control subjects without visual impairment. These symptoms were found to be correlated with BCVA and age, suggesting that visual loss and older age in patients with RP could be predictive factors of their emotional status. Therefore, there is need for close monitoring and supportive management of this population, so as to detect depression and to treat it promptly.
PURPOSE: To assess the psychological impact and the potential relationship between depression and visual impairment in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: Our study included 34 patients with RP and 35 age- and sex-matched controls. All participants underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated funduscopy, and they completed the Zung Depression Inventory questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Questionnaires were rated according to specific guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in PHQ-9 score and Zung score between patients with RP and controls. The BCVA differed significantly between the 2 groups as well. Older subjects presented significantly higher Zung score and PHQ-9 score, as well as worse BCVA in both eyes. Sex did not show any significant correlation as far as Zung score, PHQ-9 score, or BCVA. Zung score was correlated positively with PHQ-9 score, while both Zung and PHQ-9 score were positively correlated with BCVA. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with RP seem to present mild to moderate depressive symptoms in comparison with healthy control subjects without visual impairment. These symptoms were found to be correlated with BCVA and age, suggesting that visual loss and older age in patients with RP could be predictive factors of their emotional status. Therefore, there is need for close monitoring and supportive management of this population, so as to detect depression and to treat it promptly.
Authors: Gabrielle D Lacy; Maria Fernanda Abalem; Chris A Andrews; Rebhi Abuzaitoun; Lilia T Popova; Erin P Santos; Gina Yu; Hanan Y Rakine; Natasha Baig; Joshua R Ehrlich; Abigail T Fahim; Kari H Branham; Bonnielin K Swenor; Paul R Lichter; Gislin Dagnelie; Joan A Stelmack; David C Musch; K Thiran Jayasundera Journal: Am J Ophthalmol Date: 2020-12-09 Impact factor: 5.258
Authors: Marilita M Moschos; Nikolaos S Gouliopoulos; Chris Kalogeropoulos; Sofia Androudi; George Kitsos; Dimitrios Ladas; Michael Tsatsos; Irini Chatziralli Journal: J Ophthalmol Date: 2018-05-29 Impact factor: 1.909