The Prevalence of Psychological Disorders in Patients Seeking Dental Care

The Prevalence of Psychological Disorders in Patients Seeking Dental Care.

Objectives: Psychological disorders are common in today's society. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of such psychological disorders in adult patients seeking general dental care since that presence can have a significant impact on how these patients should be managed.

Methods: The medical history questionnaires (n=442) (n=258 females;184 males) were randomly selected and reviewed for a positive history of psychological conditions such as major depression, bipolar disease, anxiety, panic or eating disorders, whether the patient was being treated for the condition; and what medications were being used.

Results: Twenty percent (n=61 females; 28 males) indicated a positive history of a psychological disorder. The most common disorder for both sexes was depression. Other disorders included anxiety, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, claustrophobia, attention deficit disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and schizophrenic disease. More than one disorder was reported by 50% of the males and 37% of the females, the most common combination being depression and anxiety. Seventy-seven percent of the females and 69% of the males were under active treatment. Commonly prescribed medications, which can have important side effects, included selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, lithium, and tricyclic antidepressants. Twenty patients reported taking more than one medication for their disorder.

Conclusion: This study shows that a significant number of dental patients have a psychological disorder. Because such disorders can affect the patient's response to dental treatment, require treatment modifications, and the side effects of the medications being used can alter the oral environment, dentists need to be aware of there presence and the proper way to manage these patients.