Mental and Psychological Backgrounds of the Patients with Chronic Diseases in Dental Setting

Abstract

： The number of patients with chronic diseases is increasing as the population ages. Many of these are suf-fering from psychological problems. This article summarizes the mental and psychological backgrounds of patients with chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases and collagen and collagen-related diseases. The most common psychological problem experienced by patients with chronic diseases is depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms frequently decrease the ability of self-management, which leads to worsening of dental problems. Dentists should consider mental and psychological problems in patients with chronic diseases.