IMPORTANCE OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF CHARLES BONNET SYNDROME IN THE PRESENCE OF VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Introduction: Charles Bonnet syndrome (CSB) is a neuropsychiatric clinical condition characterized by the presence of visual hallucinations in patients with significant deterioration of vision and preserved cognitive status. Considering the emotional disorder caused by this pathology, recognizing the symptoms is essential in the therapeutic management of these patients. Goal: Highlight the importance of the diagnosis of CBS for the quality of life of the population with decline in acuity and visual field. Method: Integrative literature review based on 8 articles taken from the “Scielo” and “Pubmed” databases, using the descriptors “Charles Bonnet Syndrome” and “Vision Disorders”. Results: CBS is estimated to occur in 11–15% of the population with vision loss. Variations between studies regarding prevalence are probably due to differences in population, age, etiology of visual impairment and underdiagnosis of the condition. The occurrence occurs after days or weeks of loss of visual field, persisting from minutes to years. Patients describe simple or complex figures, such as people, animals, inanimate objects or scenes, often irritating ones that cause fear, worry, anxiety and disturbance. Such visual hallucinations may disappear with closing the eyes, changes in lighting or gaze direction, and increase with social contact. Many patients prefer to hide their disorder for fear of having a serious psychiatric illness and often when they question their views they receive inadequate responses. It is strictly important to recognize differential diagnoses, ruling out serious causes of visual hallucinations, such as psychiatric, neurological, ocular disorders or drug intoxication. Therefore, it is essential to know about CBS, which is often underdiagnosed and unidentified. Conclusion: In view of the emotional disorder caused by this disease, the diagnosis of CBS is essential to alleviate the suffering of patients. It is necessary to monitor and choose effective and appropriate therapeutic management.