Dental Prediction Factors of Schizophrenia: A Pilot Case-Control Study in Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study suggests that some dental or skeletal characteristics may be potentially associated with schizophrenia. Method: A case control study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 among 30 schizophrenia patients and 30 control patients. Data was collected through a clinical exam and radiographs for each patient. Different variables were assessed including teeth dimensions, maxillary and mandibular width, occlusal characteristics and cephalometric values: SNB, IMPA, and FMA. Proportions and mean with standard deviations were used as descriptive measures. Only variables with p-values < 0,05 were considered as statistically significant and associated with schizophrenia. Results: The mean ages of schizophrenia patients and controls were 34.0 +/- 9,12 and 17,3 +/- 2.0 years respectively. The results reported a statistically significant difference, between the two groups, at maxillar and mandibular arch depth [p < 0,001 and p=0,036 respectively], SNB [p = 0,013], overbite [p < 0,001], overjet [p = 0,002] and spee curve [p = 0,006]. Conclusion: According to these study findings, some dental, skeletal and occlusal characteristics may be related to schizophrenia. However, further studies with larger sample sized and long-term follow-up may be needed to confirm these findings.