Vision loss and depression

For example, in a recent study of vision loss, rehabilitation, and depression conducted by the Arlene R. Gordon Research Institute of Lighthouse International, one-third of visually impaired participants had clinically significant depressive symptoms. When we talk about clinical depression we do not mean occasional feelings of low mood, lack of motivation or anger. We talk of feeling clinically depressed when symptoms last for last two weeks or more, and are so severe that they interfere with daily living.

If people with vision loss experience depression this is likely to have a major impact on their families and friends, in particular on their partners. They also tend to be less open to rehabilitation thus prolonging the time it takes them to adjust to their vision loss.

This is therefore a problem that needs to be taken seriously. If somebody is given the diagnosis of Age-related macular degeneration they need to be prepared for the psychological impact of this condition. It is often people who experience gradual vision loss who are most at risk of depression since they live with the daily fear of waking up to a further deterioration of their sight. Most people who are grieving have feelings of sadness or unhappiness - but these feelings can lift. Some degree of depression is common in people who are coping with AMD, and it may make their vision seem worse that it is. But when you experience long lasting sadness or are having difficulty carrying out day-to-day activities, you may have clinical depression. Serious or clinical depression is a disorder that can be dealt with using a variety of treatments including medication, psychotherapy or counseling, or a combination of both. These therapies improve the quality of life and psychological condition of people with AMD and reduce their suffering, and may even improve their visual functioning. In a clinical depression, a person loses interest and pleasure in activities that were once satisfying, and these feelings persist for weeks. Other symptoms may include:

• Persistent sad or "empty" mood almost every day for most of the day
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Feeling "slowed down" almost every day
• Fatigue, almost every day
• Insomnia, early waking, oversleeping, or other sleep disturbances
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
• Irritability
• Excessive crying
• Chronic aches and pains for no apparent reason
• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

If these symptoms last for 2 weeks or longer, or are severe enough to interfere with normal functioning, it is important to get an evaluation for clinical depression by a qualified health or mental health professional.

Denial, anger, fear, grief, and even depression are all common emotions among people diagnosed with AMD. For many AMD patients, it is critical to get help coping.