Anxiety in persons with visual impairment

Abstract

Anxiety and anxiety disorders among people with visual impairment are more frequent than in the general population. It is estimated that 1/3 of people with visual impairment face depression and/or anxiety, whereas 4-6% of people are diagnosed with anxiety disorders. The purpose of this paper is analyzing the occurrence of anxiety in people with visual impairment based on current information. Literature review indicates that people with visual impairment experience the common, as well as the more specific, often chronic anxiety symptoms. Despite the significance of the foregoing phenomenon and its negative consequences, literature does not explain its causes, specify the problem, and most importantly, does not provide recommendations for preventing the occurrence of anxiety in the foregoing group of people. In order to understand the nature of anxiety, it is important to learn more about its causes and consequences for health, both biopsychosocial and spiritual wellbeing. In people with visual impairment this may depend on particular conditions which these people face every day, therefore the concept of anxiety in this group of people requires a separate consideration.