Abstract
The number of patients with chronic diseases is increasing as the population ages. Many of these are suffering from psychological problems. This article summarizes the mental and psychological backgrounds of patients with chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases and collagen and collagen-related diseases. The most common psychological problem experienced by patients with chronic diseases is depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms frequently decrease the ability of self-management, which leads to worsening of dental problems. Dentists should consider mental and psychological problems in patients with chronic diseases.
