Relation between Malocclusion, Anxiety and Depression

Abstract

Introduction: People with malocclusion are unsure functionally and esthetically which may cause depressive symptoms. Anxiety and depression are two important contributors to the global burden of disease. In many developing countries, including Mongolia, their relations are yet to be assessed. Materials and methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of Mongolians aged 13-60 years (N-436), selected by multistage random cluster sampling and interviewed orthodontic and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and examined by calibrated orthodontists. Malocclusion traits are recorded such as crowding, diastema, abnormal overjet and facial profile. Results: Prevalence of some traits of malocclusion were 85.1%. Participants were shown not to demonstrate any differences in sociodemographic characteristics. Statistically significant differences were observed between participants with malocclusion and depression (p=0.008). Also, crowding and depression were significantly correlated (p<0.001). However, no such difference was detected in participants with spaced dentition and abnormal overjet (p=0.5). Conclusion: Malocclusion have a significant negative impact on personal depression. Depression and anxiety are important mental health condition and major provider to public ill health and very highly widespread, comorbid and associated with psychosocial problem. High prevalence coupled with the disabling nature of these disorders creates their health care priority and their importance in national health policy.