Some Risk Factors May Influence Mental Health Conditions in Adults With Strabismus

Certain sociodemographic factors may be associated with development of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, in adults with strabismus.

Study Design

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program. The study included 3646 patients with strabismus and a matched cohort of 3646 people without strabismus. Diagnostic codes from the research program database were used to identify mental health conditions.

Outcomes

Patients with strabismus were more likely to have anxiety, depression, substance abuse and addiction, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorder than those without strabismus. In patients with strabismus, risk factors for developing mental health conditions included younger age, female gender, Black or African American race, and lower income and education levels.

Limitations

The diagnostic codes utilized in this study were not originally intended for research purposes. Furthermore, it is possible that mental health conditions may have been underdiagnosed due to obstacles in accessing care.

Clinical Significance

This research sheds light on potential links between strabismus and mental health conditions and emphasizes the role of sociodemographic factors in determining mental health outcomes in this patient population. The findings can help clinicians in identifying patients who are at high risk for mental health conditions and direct them toward appropriate treatment. More studies are needed to determine how correcting ocular alignment impacts these patients’ mental health.

Financial Disclosures: Dr. Tammy Yanovitch discloses no financial relationships.