tissues. Oral changes are significant indicators in psychosomatic patients.

Aim: To determine the incidence of oral diseases in patients with psychosomatic disorders and to assess the correlation between oral changes and

psychological characteristics among these patients.

Subjects and methods: The present study included 250 psychosomatic patients who reported to Department of Psychiatry. The prevalence of oral

diseases was assessed. The patients who used psychotropic drugs were excluded from the study. The levels of anxiety and depression were assessed

by Hamilton Anxiety Depression Rating Scale

Statistical analysis Used: The association between levels of depression and dental problems, comparison between dental problems in males and

females was assessed by Chi– square test.

Results: It was found that psychological changes may play a role in certain oral diseases. The prevalence of oral findings in psychosomatic patients

were as follows: Periodontal problems–37.8%; bruxism and Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS) – 17.2%; burning mouth syndrome–

13.2%; recurrent aphthous ulcers– 12.8%; xerostomia– 10.40%; and oral lichen planus– 9.6%. The occurrence of lichen planus was higher in

patients with higher levels of anxiety and depression. The association between oral changes and levels of depression was statistically significant (p–

0.0001).

Conclusion– Anxiety and depression play a significant role in the occurrence of oral changes, and are possibly the initiators itself. The results

revealed that there was a significant co– relation between the psychological characteristics and oral diseases.