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Major health consequences for individuals with severe dental anxiety

Date:
June 12, 2015
Source:
University of Gothenburg
Summary:
Adults who suffer from severe dental anxiety (DA) are often dissatisfied with their appearance. The dissatisfaction may be associated with poorer oral health, depression and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help patients with severe DA, according to new research.
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Adults who suffer from severe dental anxiety (DA) are often dissatisfied with their appearance. The dissatisfaction may be associated with poorer oral health, depression and anxiety. A doctoral thesis at Sahlgrenska Academy found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help patients with severe DA.

Severe DA is associated with major health-related problems. The various studies conducted in connection with a doctoral thesis at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, included more than 3,500 subjects.

Avoidance of dental care According to the findings, DA is generally associated with avoidance of dental care, as well as poorer quality of life related to oral health. The studies also demonstrated that adults with severe DA are often dissatisfied with the appearance of their mouth, teeth and face.

Vicious cykle The dissatisfaction may be associated with poorer oral health, along with depression and general anxiety.

"People with severe DA are often trapped in a vicious cycle that begins with avoidance of dental care," says Viktor Carlsson at Sahlgrenska Academy. "The next stage is poorer oral health, often followed by a sense of shame and withdrawal from social intercourse."

Greater occurrence of ADHD

The studies also concluded that the occurrence of ADHD was greater among subjects with severe DA.

"Patients who reported that they suffered from ADHD and who were identified with a screening instrument were among those with the most severe DA and very low self-rated oral health," Dr. Carlsson says.

The thesis presented a systematic review and meta-analysis in support of the hypothesis that CBT is effective in treating severe DA. According to Dr. Carlsson, however, additional studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic effects with any degree of certainty.

Dr. Carlsson defended Dental Anxiety in Adults -- Psychosocial Aspects, Oral Health and Psychological Treatment on May 29.


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Materials provided by University of Gothenburg. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

University of Gothenburg. "Major health consequences for individuals with severe dental anxiety." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 June 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150612091325.htm>.
University of Gothenburg. (2015, June 12). Major health consequences for individuals with severe dental anxiety. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150612091325.htm
University of Gothenburg. "Major health consequences for individuals with severe dental anxiety." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150612091325.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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