·AIM:To study the mental and psychological problems of patients with acute idiopathic optic neuritis.·METHODS:Totally 239 cases of patients with acute idiopathic optic neuritis diagnosed and treated in Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Neurology of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from May 2007 to October 2009 were collected.The psychological health of these patients was investigated and analyzed through symptom check list 90(SCL-90).·RESULTS:Total symptom index of the 239 cases of patients with acute idiopathic optic neuritis was 1.25±0.48,wherein,the total symptom index of the patient with acute idiopathic optic neuritis in both eyes was higher than that of the patient with acute idiopathic optic neuritis in one eye;the patients with best-corrected visual acuity below 0.3 were more than the patients with best-corrected visual acuity above 0.3.The positive items of the patients in this group were 19.In 9 subscales,the factor scores of interpersonal sensitivity,depression,anxiety and hostility were higher than normal value,wherein,the most common problems were depression and anxiety.·CONCLUSION:Patients with acute idiopathic optic neuritis have certain mental and psychological problems,wherein,the most common problems are depression and anxiety.Medical staffs should pay attention to the psychological intervention treatment of these patients.·