Psychological Assessment of Patients With Apical Periodontitis and Caries: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Oral health and its impact on systemic conditions.
• Psychoneuroimmunology and the oral-systemic link.
• Dental public health and mental health comorbidities.

Background:

• Apical periodontitis (AP) is a common endodontic-dental infection.
• Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders are prevalent.
• The relationship between AP and these mental health issues requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between apical periodontitis (AP) and subclinical symptoms of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.
• To investigate the correlation between periapical index (PAI) scores and mental health indicators.
• To explore the relationship between decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and anxiety levels.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 120 participants (60 AP+, 60 AP-).
• Dental status assessed via radiographs (OPT, periapical) and examination; DMFT and PAI scores recorded.
• Standardized questionnaires (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale - HAM-A, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - HAM-D, Eating Attitudes Test - EAT-26) administered.

Main Results:

• Significant associations found between AP and higher HAM-A, HAM-D, and EAT-26 scores.
• Higher PAI scores correlated with increased odds of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.
• Multiple periapical lesions increased odds of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating; higher DMFT scores linked to higher HAM-A scores.

Conclusions:

• Patients with AP exhibit a statistically significant higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
• The findings suggest a notable link between apical periodontitis and mental health conditions.
• Further longitudinal studies are recommended to elucidate the causal nature of this association.