Features of Non-organic Visual Loss in Childhood.

Brücher VC; Timm MJ; Grenzebach U; Eter N; Biermann J

Abstract

Non-organic visual loss (NOVL) in children and adolescents can be an indication of a dissociative disorder (ICD-10 F44.6). States of mental stress—for example, as a result of psychological or physical violence, bullying, or pressure to perform— can lead to impaired vision even in the absence of organic causes. For children and young adults, visual conversion reaction is a form of conflict management and, in contrast to malingering, is considered to be an unconscious action (1). Other, mainly unconscious causes of NOVL can include: a desire for attention, affection, or glasses. An annual incidence of 3.5% has been reported (2). The problems can lead to intensive diagnostic assessments, truancy, social withdrawal, and impaired school and family life. Thus, NOVL has far-reaching individual as well as social consequences. Rapid diagnosis is important for targeted patient management, particularly when children require psychiatric treatment. Primary data from Germany are not currently available (literature search in PubMed). This study determines the frequency and features of NOVL in childhood using a university database.