Features of mental disadaptation among patients with posterior segment eye diseases

BACKGROUND: The analysis of modern literature data shows that people with ophthalmological pathology are characterized by a high prevalence of non-psychotic mental disorders.

AIM: to evaluate the features of mental disadaptation in patients with posterior segment eye diseases

METHODS: The single-center continuous sampling observational study included examination of patients with established diagnoses of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. The study was conducted from April 1 to December 31, 2024 on the basis of the Cheboksary branch of the S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution. Clinical interviews were conducted using psychometric scales: the Spielberger-Khanin questionnaire, the Yakhin-Mendelevich clinical questionnaire, and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire.

RESULTS: 79 people (47% men, 53% women) were examined, the median age was 69.5 (60-75) years. Two groups were formed: group 1 - patients diagnosed with AMD; group 2 - patients diagnosed with glaucoma. The sample as a whole was characterized by the spread of symptoms of anxiety (27%) and depression (32%). In group 2, the severity of anxiety symptoms was 72.7%, which was significantly higher than in group 1 patients (50.0%) (p=0.035). Symptoms of asthenia are found more often in patients of group 2 (63.6%) than in patients with AMD (41.3%) (p=0.041). Obsessive-phobic symptoms and symptoms of autonomic disorders (39.1% and 47.8%, respectively) are more typical for patients with glaucoma than for patients with AMD (12.1% and 24.2%, respectively). The confidence level for obsessive-phobic symptoms and autonomic disorders was determined at p=0.007 and p=0.028, respectively. The analysis of the quality of life assessment revealed a more significant severity of physical activity restrictions, a more pessimistic view of the prognosis of treatment and lower mental well-being in patients with glaucoma.

CONCLUSION: The study made it possible to establish a high level of mental maladaptation among patients with pathology of the posterior segment of the eye. The data obtained can be used in the development of personalized therapeutic treatment regimens that take into account not only the ophthalmological diagnosis, but also the mental status of patients.