Evaluating anxiety and depression levels in patients undergoing intravitreal injections and investigation of contributing factors

PurposeTo evaluate anxiety and depression levels in patients receiving intravitreal injections for diabetic macular edema (DME), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and their associations with visual acuity, disease type, and demographic factors.MethodsThe study included 90 patients (43 males and 47 females) mean age 73.9 ± 12.4 years; (range: 22-92 years). Anxiety levels were assessed using the state anxiety form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), and depression symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded, and patients were evaluated according to disease type, severity of visual impairment, and number of injections.ResultsThe mean STAI-S score was 36.2 ± 8.9, and that of HADS was 13.9 ± 12.6. There were no significant differences in STAI-S scores between the disease groups (<i>p</i> = 0.17). However, HADS scores were significantly lower in the RVO group than in the DME and AMD groups (<i>p</i> = 0.02, <i>p</i> = 0.04). A significant association was observed between severity of visual impairment and STAI-S scores (<i>p</i> = 0.016), with moderate visual impairment showing higher anxiety levels than mild and severe impairment (<i>p</i> = 0.07, <i>p</i> = 0.02). However, HADS scores were not significantly associated with visual acuity (<i>p</i> = 0.058). Women exhibited higher HADS scores (<i>p</i> = 0.036). Neither injection frequency nor waiting time significantly affected STAI-S or HADS scores (<i>p</i> > 0.05).ConclusionPatients receiving intravitreal injections have varying levels of anxiety and depression, considering disease type, sex, and severity of visual impairment affecting these psychological parameters. These findings provide invaluable insights into the importance of psychological support in ophthalmic care.