PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF EXAMINATION OF OPHTHALMIC PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays there are a number of questionnaires with a score assessment of mental disorders. However, they are not adapted to the specific manifestations of DRP and require additional correction. The aim: To determine the criteria of necessity of psychological help for the patient with DRP. Materials and methods: 96 patients with DRP. The methods of the study were as follows: functional diagnostic examinations (visometry without correction and with optimal correction, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, optical coherent tomography of the retina and the optic disc); the assessment of mental state of patients using original and adapted tests. Results: The criteria of necessity of specialized psychological help for the patient with DRP are: level of fatigue manifestations in points is higher than 33 for patients with NPDRP, 49 with PPDRP and 56 with PDRP (according to the mean values of the total score of MFI at the corresponding stage of DRP); veracity of at least 2 statements from the additional questions and/or high values (>12) of at least 2 MFI subscales; changes in cognitive function, classified as severe or moderate. Conclusions: The integrated, modified questionnaire for patient’s mental condition assessment, based on MFI for fatigue manifestations, MMSE for cognitive impairment and the additional questions provides a reliable way to determine the criteria for specialized psychological help necessity.