ABSTRACT
Recurrent aphthous ulcers [RAS] are one of the most common painful diseases affecting the oral mucosa. The psychological-emotional factors should be considered as predisposing factors. However, the association between psychiatric disorders and RAS has not been fully investigated in Iranian population. The purpose of this study was to determine the type and frequency of psychological disorders in patients with aphthous ulceration. Thirty five subjects of 50 patients suffering from RAS referred to oral medicine department of Mashhad dental school, were enrolled for this study. Demographic data and medical history as well as the number and type of the recurrent ulcers were obtained. The records of SCL9O questionnaire and interviews were analyzed by psychiatrist. Data obtained by personality evaluation and also the frequency of psychopathologic disease according to age, sex and duration of ulcers were described in tables and charts. 65.7% of 35 subjects were female; the average age range was 21-30 years. 74.3% of patients had psychiatric disorders and the others were normal. The most common psychiatric disorder was concurrent minor depression and anxiety. Psychiatric disorders were most common among women. The current study revealed that majority of patients with aphthous ulcers have some kinds of psychiatric disorders especially anxiety, depression and obsession compulsion. The results of this study proposed that all the medical staff should consider psychological disorders as etiologic factors for aphthous ulcers during their work up and treatment