City Research Online

Abstract

Background:
Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is characterised by visual hallucinations in individuals with visual impairment, which can negatively impact emotional wellbeing. Educational interventions may help improve understanding and coping.

Objective:
This study investigated whether an educational podcast on CBS could enhance emotional wellbeing and promote more positive attitudes toward hallucinations.

Design:
Pre–post exploratory study.

Methods:
Participants were recruited via charities and social media as part of a larger study on the psychosocial impact of CBS. A baseline survey collected data on CBS symptom characteristics, the perceived impact of hallucinations (rated on a 5-point Likert scale from very negative to very pleasant) and level of negative affect (negative emotional wellbeing), assessed by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Participants then engaged with an educational podcast about CBS over a 3-week period. A follow-up survey assessed changes in emotional wellbeing, attitudes toward hallucinations, and symptom perception.

Results:
Fifty-four individuals with CBS (76% female; 70% aged >65 years) received the podcast. After the podcast intervention, 22 participants (41%) reported a less negative impact of CBS on their lives. There was a statistically significant improvement in perceived CBS impact (p < 0.01) and a statistically significant reduction in negative emotional wellbeing (p = 0.02).

Conclusion:
The educational podcast intervention was associated with improved emotional wellbeing, reflected in statistically significantly reduced negative affect and a decreased perceived burden of CBS. These findings suggest that educational podcasts may serve as a valuable tool for supporting the emotional health of individuals with CBS.

Plain language summary
How an educational podcast helped people with Charles Bonnet syndrome feel better about their hallucinations
People with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) often experience visual hallucinations, which can sometimes feel confusing or upsetting. This study looked at whether listening to an educational podcast about CBS could help people feel more positive. Fifty-four people with CBS took part. Before the podcast, they answered questions about how their hallucinations affected them and how they were feeling emotionally. They then listened to the podcast over three weeks, and afterwards answered the same questions again. The results showed that many participants felt less negatively about their hallucinations after listening. On average, people reported that the hallucinations bothered them less, and they also showed an improvement in emotional well-being. This suggests that podcasts may be a helpful and accessible way to support people living with CBS.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© The Authors. Published by Sage. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons: Attribution License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Publisher Keywords:	Charles Bonnet syndrome, emotional well-being, hallucination management, intervention, podcast
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry R Medicine > RE Ophthalmology
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Optometry & Visual Science
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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