Prevalence of Depression in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus Referred to Isfahan Dental School

Introduction: Oral lichen planus is a relatively common chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease in which altered cellular mediated immune response plays a major role in its pathogenesis. Among the possible factors influencing development of oral lichen planus, the role of mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety, has been discussed in pathogenesis of this disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression in patients with oral lichen planus referred to the dental clinic of Isfahan University in year 2018-2019. Materials & Methods: In the present case-control study, 40 patients with oral lichen planus referred to the dental clinic of Isfahan University in 2018-2019 (case group) and 40 subjects without oral lichen planus (control group) were investigated. Next, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was completed by all subjects. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using statistical software. Results: The obtained results indicated that the average age in case group (43.53 years) was lower than the control group (44.68 years). In addition, the mean for depression in case group (12.78) was higher than control group (9.5), however, this difference was not statistically significant (p value > 0.05). Conclusion: In general, this study indicated the role of depression in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. It was noted that high levels of depression can be an initiation point for various autoimmune reactions and oral lichen planus.