A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology reveals that adults with strabismus are at increased risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression, substance dependence, and even bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum conditions.

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) “All of Us” research program. It included 3,646 patients with strabismus and a matched control group of 3,646 individuals without strabismus. Diagnostic codes from the research database were used to identify mental health conditions.

The results showed that patients with strabismus were significantly more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders compared to those without strabismus. Risk factors for mental health disorders among strabismus patients included younger age, female gender, Black or African American race, and lower income and education levels.

This study sheds light on the potential links between strabismus and mental health status and highlights the role of socio-demographic factors in shaping mental health outcomes in this patient population.

The findings may help clinicians identify individuals at high risk for mental health disorders and refer them for appropriate treatment. It also emphasizes the importance of early detection and a multidisciplinary approach to managing these patients—not only from an ophthalmological perspective but also in terms of mental health care.

📚 Learn more:
Yanovitch T. Some Risk Factors May Influence Mental Health Conditions in Adults With Strabismus. Review of: Jin K, Aboobakar I, Whitman M, et al. JAMA Ophthalmology, in press 2024.
🔗 You can read the article here https://www.aao.org/education/editors-choice/some-risk-factors-may-influence-mental-health-cond