Abstract
Background: Psychiatric patients or mentally ill patients conform a substantial section of the community deserving special attention. This study aimed to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of psychiatric patients attending District Civil Hospital, Raichur, Karnataka. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 150 outpatients aged 18-64 years, attending the Department of Psychiatry, District Civil Hospital, Raichur. A specific questionnaire was drawn up and was used to record the demographic and medical data and oral hygiene practices. Type III clinical examination was carried out. The WHO Assessment Form 1997 was used to assess the oral health status of the study population. Results: Of the 150 patients examined, 90 (60%) were male and 60 (40%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 33.79 +/- 10.57 years. The majority (52%) were diagnosed with epilepsy and 18% had anxiety disorder. The prevalence of caries was 87.3%. Periodontal status, according to the Community Periodontal Index scores, was as follows: 54% of the patients had shallow pocket (4 mm-5 mm) and 32% of the patients had 6-mm or more deep pocket. Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial need for prevention and treatment of oral health needs among psychiatric patients, and to increase awareness toward oral health.