Functional Visual Loss in Childhood and Suggestibility

Abstract

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.