PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS, LEVELS OF ALPHA-AMYLASE, AND ORAL LICHEN PLANUS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Objective To evaluate psychological factors (anxiety, depression, and stress) and levels of salivary alpha-amylase in individuals with oral lichen planus. Study Design A case-control study was conducted, with the case group (n = 23) composed of individuals with clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of oral lichen planus, and the control group (n = 23) composed of individuals without the disease, matched by sex and age. Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories and Perceived Stress Scale were used, and levels of alpha-amylase at 3 time points throughout the day (upon waking, 30 minutes after waking up, and before going to sleep) were determined. Data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Student t test and the Spearman correlation coefficient. The adopted significance level was 5%. Results Individuals with oral lichen planus had higher anxiety (P = .000), depression (P = .001) and perceived stress (P = .001) scores, as well as higher secretory pattern of salivary alpha-amylase 30 minutes after waking (P = .04). Conclusions It was observed an association between oral lichen planus and anxiety, depression and stress scores, and levels of alpha-amylase.