EVALUATION OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY

Objective: To compare the psychological status of patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) with healthy controls using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3).
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional clinical study included 25 patients aged 18-60 with chronic CSCR who were followed and treated at the Retina Unit of Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Medicine Hospital between November 2023 and June 2024. A control group of 25 age- and sex-matched individuals undergoing routine eye check-ups was also recruited. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, and detailed anterior segment and fundus examination. The ASI-3, BDI, and BAI were administered.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the CSCR and control groups in terms of mean age and sex (p=0.336 and p=0.774, respectively). The CSCR group had significantly higher BDI and BAI scores compared to the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.013, respectively). The ASI-3 score was also significantly higher in the CSCR group (p=0.015).
Conclusion: Patients with chronic CSCR exhibited higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to healthy individuals, suggesting an association between psychological factors and CSCR. Healthcare professionals should adopt a patient-centered, ethical, and constructive approach, incorporating the management of psychosocial issues alongside physical concerns in individualized care plans for CSCR patients. Ophthalmologists should consider referring these patients for psychosocial support or interventions.