Depression: a psychologic consideration in complete denture prosthodontics

When the complete denture population was examined for depression with the BDI, the greatest prevalence of depressive symptoms was found to coincide with the age groups that included the greatest proportion of denture wearers. An awareness by the dentist of high-risk groups for depression within the patient pool may help explain difficulties in achieving patient satisfaction with dentures, facilitate recognition of a problem, and make possible appropriate referral for diagnosis and treatment.