Odisha study finds high depression risk in eye patients with chronic illnesses

Bhubaneswar: Eye patients suffering from multiple chronic illnesses are significantly more likely to experience depression, highlighting need for routine mental health screening in ophthalmology clinics, according to a new study conducted in Odisha.The research found that nearly one in six patients attending an eye clinic showed signs of depression, while the burden increased sharply among those living with additional chronic diseases.The study, titled ‘Prevalence of anxiety and depression among multimorbid patients attending eye clinics in Odisha, India: A hospital-based study’, was published in the journal Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.Seven researchers from ICMR-National Institute of Health Research, Bhubaneswar, and KIMS Hospital here surveyed 404 adults attending a tertiary eye-care hospital in Bhubaneswar to examine prevalence of anxiety and depression among patients with eye ailments and other chronic conditions.The study found hypertension to be the most common coexisting illness among eye patients, affecting 67.25% of participants, followed by diabetes at 37.06%. The most prevalent disease combination was hypertension along with an eye condition, seen in 31.19% of patients. Another 22.52% had both diabetes and hypertension in addition to their eye disorder.Researchers reported that 17.57% of participants had signs of depression, while anxiety was found in 1.73%. However, a much larger proportion of patients fell into the borderline category for depression, suggesting a substantial hidden burden of psychological distress among people undergoing treatment for eye diseases.G Nageswar Rao and others in the research paper said the prevalence of depression increased with the number of chronic illnesses. Among patients with an eye condition and three or more additional diseases, only 11.63% were classified as normal for depression, while 46.51% showed borderline symptoms and 41.86% had abnormal depression scores, they added.Researchers noted a statistically significant association between multimorbidity and depression.ICMR-NIHR director Sanghamitra Pati said visual impairment, fear of vision loss, dependence on caregivers, repeated hospital visits and limitations in daily activities can contribute to emotional distress. Combination of eye diseases with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes may further worsen mental well-being, she added.“The findings underline need to integrate mental health assessment into eye-care services,” said Pati.They recommended routine screening for anxiety and depression among patients with eye-related multimorbidity and closer collaboration between ophthalmologists, primary care physicians and mental health professionals.Early identification and treatment of psychological distress could improve adherence to treatment, follow-up care and overall quality of life, the study noted.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in BhubaneswarStay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news. Download the TOI App.