Psychology and Patient Cooperation in Orthodontics: Is There a Relationship between Them?

Patient cooperation is undoubtedly important in orthodontic treatment success. As a result, it is critical to understand the factors that can influence cooperation.

Aim
To investigate the effect of psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety on patient cooperation, an important part of orthodontic treatment.

Material and methods
This study was conducted on 215 patients between aged 11 and 17 years of age (143 girls, 72 boys), who just received orthodontic treatment. Data collection tools included the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), the Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Severity Scale Child Form 11-17/ the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder National Stressful Events Short Form (NSESSS), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), and Socio-demographic Data Form.

Results
It was found that 59.5% of the participants (128 patients) were cooperative; moreover, there was a statistically significant difference between the genders (p=0.001; p<0.01). The girls were more cooperative than the boys. A statistically significant difference was found between the subject’s mothers in terms of employment status (p=0.010; p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the cooperation and total scores of CDI, STAIC, NSESSS, and CTQ-28.

Conclusion
There was no relationship between patient cooperation and PTSD or the other related psychiatric conditions. It was found that mothers had a positive effect on whether their children cooperate or not. Therefore, the children of mothers who do not work and can devote more time to them tend to have an increased cooperation.