Functional Visual Loss in Childhood and Suggestibility

Abstract

A B S T R A C T Visual disturbance in which no organic ophthalmological or neurological abnormalities are found is referred to as functional (or psychogenic) visual loss. Based on our preliminary results on this disorder, we set out to examine whether the individual's suggestibility and the effect of suggestion play a major role in its etiology and course; specifically, whether the age trend of suggestibility is reflected in the age distribution of this disorder and whether a non-damaging physical trauma of the face or head precipitates visual loss in a large number of cases, and whether suggestion therapy is effective. Fifty-nine children with this disorder, 43 girls (73%) and 16 boys (27%), were studied. The distribution of their age-of-onset peaked at 8-9 years and was similar to the age trend for suggestibility in childhood. The visual loss had followed a minor trauma to the head, conjunctivitis or eye pain in 32% of the cases. Thirty-three children were treated with simple suggestion and 28 (85%) recovered visual acuity within four sessions. These results indicate that suggestibility is associated with this disorder and that suggestion therapy is effective for its treatment. K E Y W O R D S age of onset, functional (psychogenic) visual loss, physical trauma, suggestibility, suggestion therapy

How do I manage functional visual loss

“…A study of 10 patients used transcranial magnetic stimulation with improvement in 9 patients [23]. A case series of 33 paediatric patients reported that 28 recovered with suggestion therapy [24]. The Edinburgh FND research group published a detailed description of the more multi-faceted approach, describing visual recovery in two individuals with complete functional visual loss, with a focus on explanatory models, combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation and hypnotherapy [25].…”

Verbal therapy with a girl who could not hear

“…Abe and Suzuki (2000) found that suggestion therapy was effective for treatment of functional visual loss in children and adolescents between 6 and 16 years of age. For example, the nature and rate of her reacquisition of verbal understanding was hypothesised by the clinician and JP responded predictably.…”

“…A time frame for recovery was also provided and JP regained full hearing within this time. Abe and Suzuki (2000) found that suggestion therapy was effective for treatment of functional visual loss in children and adolescents between 6 and 16 years of age. Suggestion and hypothesising are more likely to be useful tools in therapy when there is good engagement.…”