Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight: Four cases of Charles Bonnet syndrome
Introduction. Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight due to visual impairment are key symptoms of Charles Bonnet syndrome. The syndrome is a standalone diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision. Nevertheless, in clinical praxis, it is often misdiagnose...
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Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, University of Defence, Belgrade
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Vojnosanitetski Pregled |
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| Online Access: | https://doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0042-8450/2023/0042-84502300022T.pdf |
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| author | Tepšić-Ostojić Vesna Gojković Zagorka Živić Bratislav |
| author_facet | Tepšić-Ostojić Vesna Gojković Zagorka Živić Bratislav |
| author_sort | Tepšić-Ostojić Vesna |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction. Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight due to visual impairment are key symptoms of Charles Bonnet syndrome. The syndrome is a standalone diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision. Nevertheless, in clinical praxis, it is often misdiagnosed as psychosis or early stages of dementia, and it goes underreported by patients because of the fear of being diagnosed with a mental illness. Case report. We presented four elderly patients, who were referred for psychiatric consultation due to visual hallucinations, with preserved insight, but with impaired vision. All four patients had complex, vivid, and colorful hallucinations consisting of realistic objects, people, animals, or scenery that tend to recur. Their emotional response and impact on quality of life differed, and psychopharmacotherapy was determined according to their psychological symptoms. Empathic explanation of the symptoms’ origin and reassurance of the absence of mental illness for patients and caregivers were of vital importance in all cases. Conclusion. With the aging of the population, the number of patients with impaired vision also increases, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostic procedures and treatment of Charles Bonnet syndrome is emphasized. Increased aware-ness of clinical characteristics and therapeutic approaches is required among all physicians who are in contact with elderly and/or impaired vision patients. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c6ed32235a984d0faafba0ca862ef42f |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 0042-8450 2406-0720 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, University of Defence, Belgrade |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Vojnosanitetski Pregled |
| spelling | doaj-art-c6ed32235a984d0faafba0ca862ef42f2025-08-20T03:05:09ZengMinistry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, University of Defence, BelgradeVojnosanitetski Pregled0042-84502406-07202023-01-01801087187410.2298/VSP230210022T0042-84502300022TComplex visual hallucinations with retention of insight: Four cases of Charles Bonnet syndromeTepšić-Ostojić Vesna0Gojković Zagorka1Živić Bratislav2https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7377-7310Military Medical Academy, Psychiatric Clinic, Belgrade, Serbia + University of Defence, Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, SerbiaMilitary Medical Academy, Psychiatric Clinic, Belgrade, SerbiaMilitary Medical Academy, Psychiatric Clinic, Belgrade, Serbia + University of Defence, Faculty of Medicine of the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, SerbiaIntroduction. Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight due to visual impairment are key symptoms of Charles Bonnet syndrome. The syndrome is a standalone diagnosis in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision. Nevertheless, in clinical praxis, it is often misdiagnosed as psychosis or early stages of dementia, and it goes underreported by patients because of the fear of being diagnosed with a mental illness. Case report. We presented four elderly patients, who were referred for psychiatric consultation due to visual hallucinations, with preserved insight, but with impaired vision. All four patients had complex, vivid, and colorful hallucinations consisting of realistic objects, people, animals, or scenery that tend to recur. Their emotional response and impact on quality of life differed, and psychopharmacotherapy was determined according to their psychological symptoms. Empathic explanation of the symptoms’ origin and reassurance of the absence of mental illness for patients and caregivers were of vital importance in all cases. Conclusion. With the aging of the population, the number of patients with impaired vision also increases, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnostic procedures and treatment of Charles Bonnet syndrome is emphasized. Increased aware-ness of clinical characteristics and therapeutic approaches is required among all physicians who are in contact with elderly and/or impaired vision patients.https://doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0042-8450/2023/0042-84502300022T.pdfcharles bonnet syndromediagnosis, differentialhallucinationsvision disorders |
| spellingShingle | Tepšić-Ostojić Vesna Gojković Zagorka Živić Bratislav Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight: Four cases of Charles Bonnet syndrome Vojnosanitetski Pregled charles bonnet syndrome diagnosis, differential hallucinations vision disorders |
| title | Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight: Four cases of Charles Bonnet syndrome |
| title_full | Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight: Four cases of Charles Bonnet syndrome |
| title_fullStr | Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight: Four cases of Charles Bonnet syndrome |
| title_full_unstemmed | Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight: Four cases of Charles Bonnet syndrome |
| title_short | Complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight: Four cases of Charles Bonnet syndrome |
| title_sort | complex visual hallucinations with retention of insight four cases of charles bonnet syndrome |
| topic | charles bonnet syndrome diagnosis, differential hallucinations vision disorders |
| url | https://doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0042-8450/2023/0042-84502300022T.pdf |
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