Abstract
Purpose :
Visual hallucinations associated with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) have been shown to have a multifaceted influence on a person’s wellbeing. Yet, it has not been explored if the overall negative affect (NA) of someone (i.e.experiencing the world in a more negative way) relates to how they perceive the impact of their CBS symptoms on quality of life (QOL). We tested the hypothesis that greater levels of NA correlate with a greater likelihood to report the impact of CBS symptoms as negative, as well as poorer self-reported QOL.
Methods :
Participants were recruited via adverts on social media and via vision-related charities. Participants were asked for details about their hallucinations and the impact it has on their life, rated on a Likert scale (Fig1). QOL was also assessed using the overall health index (EQ-5D-3L), loneliness (Three-Item Loneliness Scale), and NA (The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [PANAS]). Spearman correlation analysis and multiple variable regression were conducted to assess the relationships between survey responses.
Results :
This survey sampled 96 UK adults with CBS, 80% of respondents were aged over 65 years (73 females, 22 males). 57% of respondents rated the impact of CBS on their QOL as negative, and no participants rated the impact as ‘very pleasant’ on QOL (Fig1). A statistically significant negative correlation between the impact of CBS and NA was identified (p=<0.01; rho=-0.31). A statistically significant positive correlation between loneliness and NA (p=<0.001; rho=0.55) was also found. Yet, no significant correlation was identified between loneliness and the impact of CBS. Multiple variable regression revealed the relationship between NA and CBS impact remains statistically significant even when accounting for the impact of loneliness and the relationship between loneliness and CBS effect (p=<0.05; adj R2=0.34). A statistically significant correlation was also found between health index and NA (p=<0.001; rho=-0.40), loneliness (p=<0.001; rho=-0.35) and CBS impact (p=<0.05; rho=0.2).
Conclusions :
Respondents experiencing negative emotions and poor self-concept (i.e.higher level of NA) were found more likely to perceive the impact of CBS symptoms as negative. Negative affect is an important consideration when assessing QOL in people with CBS.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.