EC Dental Science

Introduction: Depressive disorders, worldwide, may rank second by the year 2020. In India; about 10 million people suffer from depressive disorders, the prevalence rate being recorded as 31.2 for every 1000 individuals. A significant impairment of all personal hygiene may occur due a depressive episode which in turn may result in altered salivary composition. Purpose of the Study: The present study was a hospital- based clinical cross-sectional study which was conducted in Bhopal, the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India. It was done to assess the relationship of bring about a comparison of unstimulated sialochemical alterations between patients with depressive disorders and on antidepressant drugs.

Materials and Methods: Whole unstimulated saliva was collected from patients suffering from depressive disorders and were on antidepressant drugs for at least a month. The sialochemical parameters were determined using suitable methods.

Results: A significant increase in the levels salivary amylase, calcium, total protein and urea were observed in patients- especially in those administering Tricyclic (TCAs) and Tetracyclic (TeCAs) antidepressants.

Conclusion: From the present study, it was observed that cyclic antidepressants produced significant alteration in the sialochemical constituents of saliva.

Keywords: Depression; Depressive Disorders; Sialochemical Analysis; Sialochemistry; Unstimulated Saliva

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