A Case Report on Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Husain Maruzairi; Chin Lie Joo

doi:10.18502/ijps.v17i2.8914

Husain Maruzairi Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Chin Lie Joo Department of Psychiatry, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v17i2.8914

Keywords: Charles Bonnet Syndrome; Delusion; Visual Hallucination; Visual Impairment

Abstract

Objective: Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) consists of visual hallucinations occurring in patients with visual impairment. CBS is commonly overlooked by medical professionals and underreported by patients due to the underlying stigma attached to the presence of hallucinations. Lack of awareness regarding CBS among medical professionals may lead to failures in providing forewarning and education to patients with visual impairment. In patients who are not familiar with CBS, this might lead to a higher risk of distress, misattribution to cultural belief or mental illness, and the potential of developing psychosis, especially in elderly patients with other modalities of sensory deprivation. This case report aims to increase awareness and knowledge about CBS among clinicians for the proper management of patients.

Method: This case illustrated a patient with worsening visual impairment who presented with typical CBS and later progressed to visual hallucination and persecutory delusion

Results: Providing information on CBS and antipsychotics resulted in less distress and improved the patient’s visual hallucination and delusion

Conclusion: Education and reassurance play a role in the management of CBS. It is important for medical professionals to be aware of CBS and provide clear information for patients who are at risk to lower their distress.