# Estimation of depression, anxiety and serum cortisol in patients with oral lichen planus, leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis

## TL;DR

This study examines the relationship between stress, anxiety, depression, and cortisol levels in patients with specific oral conditions.

## Contribution

The study establishes a statistical correlation between serum cortisol levels and mental health indicators in patients with oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, and submucous fibrosis.

## Key findings

- Anxiety and depression were found in advanced stages of oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, and submucous fibrosis.
- Serum cortisol levels were statistically correlated with depression and anxiety in these patients.

## Abstract

Stress and anxiety may be found in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral lichen planus (OLP).
Cortisol, sometimes referred to as the "stress hormone," has been employed as a stress predictor. Therefore, it is of interest to
estimate the levels of depression, anxiety and serum cortisol and establish correlation between them in patients with OL. OLP and OSMF.
There were 240 patients, aged 20 years to 45 years, who were divided into four categories (OL, OSMF, OLP and control) of 60 patients
apiece. In the supervision of a psychiatrist, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM D) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM (A)
questionnaires were filled out. Five millilitres of venous blood were extracted using standard aseptic technique, and all of the samples
were examined for serum cortisol level. Anxiety and depression was found in subjects of OL, OSMF and OLP at advanced stages. It was
inferred that serum cortisol level was statistically correlated with depression and anxiety in patients with OL, OSMF and OLP.