The Mouth and Mind Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the perceived relationship between oral health and psychosis
IRAS ID
270350
Contact name
Elizabeth Turner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 28 days
Research summary
This study aims to learn more about the perceived relationship between psychosis and dental problems. People with psychosis are more likely to have decayed, missing or filled teeth and are three to four times as likely to lose all of their teeth. People with psychosis may have problems with their mouth, teeth and gums for many reasons. For example, medication for psychosis can lead to dry mouth and may make people crave sugary food. This can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Other problems may relate to people’s ability to access dental services.
Less is known about how dental problems and treatment for these can affect psychosis. It is possible that difficulties with a person’s mouth, teeth or gums can have a negative impact on their mental health and well-being. Research has found that dental problems can affect self-esteem and quality of life. Therefore, it is possible that such problems could have a harmful effect on a person’s experience of psychosis.This study aims to explore the perceived link between oral health and psychosis. We will do this by conducting qualitative interviews with service users with experiences of psychosis. We aim to recruit from outpatient and inpatient services in Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust, Pennine Care Trust, North West Boroughs Foundation Trust and Lancashire Care Trust. Recruitment and analysis is expected to last one year and participants will be invited to take part in a single qualitative interview. We hope that, in the long term, this will contribute to the way services assess and provide support to service users with dental needs. Furthermore, such research could guide future policies and guidance to provide better access to dental care for people experiencing psychosis.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0723
Date of REC Opinion
1 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion