Mental and Visual Distress during Pandemic Times

Article: Visual hallucinations among blind people increase during pandemic
Source: University College London (U.K.), via Technology Networks
Published: February 12, 2021

In a second study about Charles Bonnet Syndrome published this year, researchers at University College London seek to highlight the increased mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic for those suffering from the condition. The study itself is small, comprising only 45 patients at one hospital. Among these patients, the researchers found that 56% experienced increased intensity and exacerbation of visual hallucinations during the interval of study between June and July 2020. The weight of the study lies in its social focus to call attention to Charles Bonnet Syndrome. The visual hallucination symptoms of this condition are frightening in themselves in ordinary times. And mental distress is unfortunately common for many during the pandemic. That the mental distress of "social isolation, loneliness, lack of exercise and exposure to distressing media over the COVID-19 lockdown" increased the symptoms of Charles Bonnet Syndrome highlights the need for awareness of the condition in particular, but also the need for social and community support for the majority of people suffering from isolation and loneliness during the pandemic.

Response distributions for survey items among 45 people with Charles Bonnet syndrome

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See also: A Brain Mechanism underlying “Vision” in the Blind is Revealed

Jones L, Ditzel-Finn L, Potts J, et al. "Exacerbation of visual hallucinations in Charles Bonnet syndrome due to the social implications of COVID-19." BMJ Open Ophthalmology.  6:e000670. 11 February 2021. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjophth-2020-000670