[Psychiatric manifestations in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma]

Abstract

In a comparative study, 21 in-patient and 27 out-patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and 18 cataract patients were investigated to determine whether psychiatric symptoms were more frequent in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. In all three groups we used Beck's Depression Inventory, the Zerssen Symptom List and the Maudsley Personality Inventory. In addition, in the case of the glaucoma in patients we applied the unsteadiness Test, the Social Interview Schedule and a psychiatric interview. Two-thirds of the glaucoma inpatients showed psychiatric symptoms, had higher scores for depression and psychosomatic complaints and had reduced emotional stability. The glaucoma out-patients had statistically significantly high scores for psychosomatic complaints. The control group showed normal scores in all tests. The present tests seem to pick up psychiatric symptoms in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Therefore, we can recommend them as an aid to orientation in hospital and private practice.