Association of anxiety and depression with Oral Epithelial Dysplasia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasability Study: Associations between anxiety and depression and the diagnostic tissue-based investigation of red, white and mixed lesions that may indicate the presence of dysplasia.
IRAS ID
159183
Contact name
Konrad Staines
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Enterprise Development, University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Oral Epithelial Dysplasia (OED) is a diagnosis found after biopsy of an oral lesion. It is graded as severe, moderate or mild depending on the degree of cellular changes present. It is considered a risk factor for the development of oral malignancy.
People with OED are often seen on Oral Medicine clinics after being referred by their GP or Dentist. The diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy.
There is little research on the association between anxiety and depression and the diagnostic process for potentially malignant lesions of the oral cavity . However, research into potentially malignant lesions of the cervix and skin has shown that people can suffer with anxiety and depression following diagnosis.
We intend to investigate depression and anxiety experienced by participants at different stages throughout the diagnostic process of oral epithelial lesions.
This will allow us to highlight key points of anxiety and depression for patients from baseline until the point where a diagnosis of OED is confirmed.
Anxiety and Depression will be measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - a simple questionnaire where participants respond to a written statement. It is 14 items long, with 7 statements relating to anxiety and 7 to depression.
The aim is to highlight factors which may predispose participants to experience anxiety or depression through the diagnostic process. We will also assess the impact of a diagnosis of OED on the patient's levels of anxiety and depression. This evidence can then be used to highlight the need for support for vulnerable patient groups and at particular points within the diagnostic process.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0044
Date of REC Opinion
29 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion