Anxiety Assessment in Orofacial Pain Patients

Abstract Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the anxiety level in patients with orofacial pain and to compare it with patients without any orofacial pain. Materials and Methods The survey-based study was conducted that included a total of 100 patients who were divided into two groups: 50 patients with orofacial pain and 50 patients without pain. Questionnaire in a local language, that is, Marathi, was formulated based on Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data was then subsequently collected and evaluated according to the score of MDAS and HADS. Results A total of 78 patients were evaluated according to the questionnaire survey. Highly significant correlation was found between anxiety level and pain present in patient on the MDAS-anxiety level scale(p = 0.001). Also, a significant correlation was observed between anxiety level and pain present in patient on the HADS-anxiety level (p = 0.007). A significant correlation was found between gender and pain anxiety level in patients on the MDAS-anxiety level (p = 0.009). Conclusion Anxiety level in patients with orofacial pain can be assessed with MDAS and HADS. Specific types of anxiety-related concerns definitely occur at higher levels in orofacial pain patients in comparison to patients without pain. Greater attention needs to be employed on understanding of anxiety level in orofacial pain patients. This is detrimental in acceptance of treatment by patient and ultimately affects outcome. Anxiety level assessment helps in better understanding of apprehension among the patients with orofacial pain, and enables better delivery of appropriate care and intervention.