Evaluation of Quality of Life, Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Abstract

Objective: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common diseases of the oral mucosa characterized by recurrent painful oral ulcers. We evaluated the effect of RAS on quality of life and the relationship between RAS and anxiety and depression. Methods: The study involved 70 patients (35 female, 35 male) with RAS and 70 healthy volunteers (32 females, 38 males) who matched the patients with age and gender. Demographic features and medical histories of individuals were recorded. Patients and controls filled out the dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). The results were compared statistically. Results: The DLQI score of RAS patients was significantly higher than the control group [p<0.001, interquartile range (IQR): 6.0-15.0 vs. 2.0-9.0]. DLQI score for the patients during the active phase was significantly higher than that for the patients during the remission period (p=0.039, IQR: 6.5-16.0 vs. 2.0-10.0). There was no significant difference in HAD score between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study show that there is no relationship between RAS and anxiety and depression. However, RAS significantly decreases the quality of life, particularly during the active phase.