Suicidal ideation and psychological symptoms in bilateral vision loss
Author Disclosure Block: I. Abdulle: None. H. Liu: None. J. Gale: None. M. Khoshenvis: None. L. Poincenot: None. D. Baron: None. R. Karanjia: None. A. Sadun: None. I. Gauthier: None. S. Hussein: None. A. Pearson: None. S. Frousiakis,: None.
Abstract Body:
Purpose: Bilateral vision loss is a major traumatic event that often results in numerouspsychological symptoms in patients. Most concerning of these symptoms is suicidal ideation. Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a debilitating disease due to mutations in mitochondrial DNA causing rapid onset vision loss. Here we investigate the unique pattern of psychological symptoms experienced by patients diagnosed with LHON resulting in bilateral vision loss who have reported a high degree of suicidal ideation. In doing so, physicians may be better able to screen for suicidal ideation in visually impaired patients with LHON who present with unique patterns of psychological symptoms. This is the first study evaluating suicidal ideation and associated psychological symptoms in LHON patients with bilateral vision loss.
Study Design: Cross sectional survey.
Methods: An online survey of patient with LHON was conducted. Data collected was non-identifiable and patients symptoms and finding were self reported. Questions were asked in accordance to the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-V. Participants self reported suicidal ideation along with psychological well-being before and after experiencing vision loss. This study was approved by the IRB at USC Keck School of Medicine.
Results: 103 participants completed the surveys in its entirety. Participants reported a mean premorbid suicidality score of (4.6 +/- SEM 0.5), whereas the mean postmorbid suicidality score was (26.6 +/- SEM 2.6). Participants who reported postmorbid suicidality scores of >50 were considered to have suicidal ideation. Of the 103 participants, 23 had reported suicidal ideation (22%) after having experienced bilateral vision loss. Those with postmorbid suicidal ideation (suicidality score >50) reported higher mean psychomotor agitation (41.8 +/- SEM 3.8), lower mean sleep disturbance (13 +/- SEM 2.6), and lower mean fatigue (15.2 +/- SEM 1.8) when compared to those who reported suicidality scores of <50 ( mean psychomotor agitation 26.4 +/-SEM 2.7, mean sleep disturbance 31.25 +/- SEM 3.9, mean fatigue 27.8 +/- SEM 3.1).
Conclusions: These finding may assist physicians in the screening for suicidal ideation in patients who present with bilateral vision loss from LHON and potentially other diseases. By understanding the unique constellation of psychological symptoms in patients with bilateral vision loss, physicians may be better equipped to help these patients.
