GPs confronted with a patient complaining of hallucinations might just need to check their eye-sight, campaigners have warned.
As many as 100,000 people suffer from strange images caused by macular degeneration.
A survey of GPs found that more than a third had never heard of this side-effect of the eye disease. The hallucinations are known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
The survey also found that 71% of GPs said they had never discussed the syndrome with a patient.
Campaigners say GPs should raise the subject with patients with macular degeneration as the patient may be reluctant to raise the issue, for fear it is a symptom of a mental illness.
Some 194 doctors took part in the survey.
GP Dr Waqaar Shah, clinical champion with the Royal College of GPs, said: “Macular degeneration is very common in older patients, and sadly in many cases there is no cure. However it is important that GPs take the time to have a conversation with their patients about the impact of the eye condition on their every day lives and that they may experience evening or night-time visual hallucinations.
“Patients will rarely volunteer this symptom for fear of being judged as having a mental health condition so it is important GPs raise awareness amongst patients so that they can receive appropriate support.”
He added: “Perhaps the greatest value a GP can add is the reassurance for patients with Charles Bonnet Syndrome that they do not have dementia or psychiatric illness.”
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