Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Acute loss of vision needs urgent attention and treatment. We report on a young
Ethiopian woman who experienced acute bilateral blindness. In the presence of normal
ophthalmological findings psychogenic blindness has to be considered.
CASE DETAILS: A 21 years old woman was admitted to the psychiatry clinic at Jimma University
specialized Hospital, Jimma, South West Ethiopia. She had not been able to see for a few days.
Ophthalmological and neurological examinations showed normal findings. No severe psychopathology
was found. Stressful life events had preceded the appearance of the symptoms. An attitude of accepting
the perspective of the patient of a seemingly organic disease is a precondition for a successful
intervention. Treatment aimed at a gradual return to normal functioning. The patient regained her sight
and fully recovered. The final psychiatric diagnosis was psychogenic blindness.
CONCLUSION: The psychosocial intervention was successful and encouraging for the patient and
clinicians.
