Psychiatry in orthodontics. Part 1: Typical adolescent psychiatric disorders and their relevance to orthodontic practice.
Adolescence is a time of rapid physical and mental development. It is also a time when many diagnosable psychiatric diseases are first noticed. A prior study showed that a high rate of suicidal behavior is seen in orthodontic practices. The orthodontist is in a unique position among medical practitioners because treatment occurs over several years with frequent appointments. This article is a current review of the etiology, diagnosis, and therapy for several pertinent mental disorders that occur in adolescents, including mood disorders, schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. All have been associated with high rates of suicidal behavior and completed suicides. With a keen eye for the development of psychiatric issues, the orthodontist is in a position to make appropriate referrals, if needed.
University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry, San Antonio, Texas, USA. wendell_n@yahoo.com
Wendell W
WW
Neeley
G Thomas
GT
Kluemper
Lon R
LR
Hays
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D009970:Orthodontics; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D024382:Professional Role; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis; D000092864:Suicide Prevention