Loneliness, Depression, and Social Activity after Determination of Legal Blindness

Abstract

In 84 blind clients, incidence of depression was 6% (5 subjects), and symptoms changed markedly as a function of time since determination of legal blindness. Self-reports of feelings of loneliness were evident in 20% (17 subjects). Report of loneliness was correlated with social inactivity. Depression and loneliness were unrelated to gender, marital or cognitive status, diagnostic category, or type of onset (sudden or progressive). Situational reactions were common after determination of blindness, but presence of vegetative signs of depression seemed atypical. Since affective disorders are associated with failure to return to prior social activities and cannot be predicted by commonly used patients' characteristics, the health care team should be prepared to identify, monitor, and manage affective symptoms in patients with significant visual loss.