ACUTE LOSS OF VISION IN A YOUNG WOMAN A CASE REPORT ON PSYCHOGENIC BLINDNESS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acute loss of vision needs urgent attention and treatment. We report on a youngEthiopian woman who experienced acute bilateral blindness. In the presence of normalophthalmological findings psychogenic blindness has to be considered.CASE DETAILS: A 21 years old woman was admitted to the psychiatry clinic at Jimma Universityspecialized Hospital, Jimma, South West Ethiopia. She had not been able to see for a few days.Ophthalmological and neurological examinations showed normal findings. No severe psychopathologywas found. Stressful life events had preceded the appearance of the symptoms. An attitude of acceptingthe perspective of the patient of a seemingly organic disease is a precondition for a successfulintervention. Treatment aimed at a gradual return to normal functioning. The patient regained her sightand fully recovered. The final psychiatric diagnosis was psychogenic blindness.CONCLUSION: The psychosocial intervention was successful and encouraging for the patient andclinicians.