Psychological disorders and quality of life in oral lichen planus patients and a control group

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common disease whose aetiopathogenesis is linked to psychological disorders. This study aims to determine the influence of anxiety and depression in OLP patients, define the perception of quality of life in these patients and check for potential differences between atrophic/ ulcerative and reticular lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A group of 48 OLP patients and a control group of 40 patients were selected. In order to assess anxiety, depression and quality of life, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) tests were completed. RESULTS: OLP patients showed higher scores on HADS (anxiety p < 0.01, depression p < 0.05) and OHIP-14 (physical pain p < 0.05, psychological discomfort p = 0.001). Patients with reticular lesions obtained higher scores in HADS (anxiety p = 0.001, depression p < 0.001), whereas patients with atrophic/ ulcerative lesions obtained higher scores in OHIP-14 (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological disorders play an important role as a trigger for OLP and are responsible for many relapses. Psychological support would be advisable in order to improve their mental health, as this would have a positive impact on their quality of life and would lead to a better progression of the disease.