Psychiatric manifestations and personality traits associated with compliance with glaucoma treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of psychological distress and personality traits on self-rated compliance with glaucoma treatment.

METHODS

One hundred patients with primary open-angle glaucoma participated in the study. General Health Questionnaire, Symptom Distress Checklist, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Defense Style Questionnaire, and Hostility and Direction of Hostility Questionnaire were used.

RESULTS

Forty-two percent of patients with glaucoma classified as "noncompliers," those who omitted more than two doses per week. Noncompliers presented more severe symptoms of glaucoma. Depression was found to be associated with poor compliance, whereas adoption of immature defensive style further increased the risk for noncompliance with glaucoma treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is associated with self-reported noncompliance with glaucoma treatment, whereas certain personality traits are involved in the increased risk for noncompliance. Further assessment of the depressive feelings by an ophthalmologist and treatment of depression as well as proper psychotherapeutic approaches for maladaptive personality features could be an essential strategy to diminish compliance problems.