A DENTAL CROWN FOR PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENA

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous group of disorders with variable presentation in thought disturbances and bizarre behaviors (15). Psychological and behavioral hindrances in these patients affect concentration, perception, and ideation to the extent that social and occupational functioning is impaired (30). Symptoms range from hallucinations, disorganized thinking, distorted perception of reality, severe anxiety, difficulty performing work, and many others. This complex mental health disorder afflicts 1.1% (2.4 million) of U.S. population, which constitutes approximately 10% of the disabled (24, 28). Although schizophrenia affects men and women equally, the age of onset is typically between 18 to 24 in males and 24 to 34 in females (28, 30). Patients are usually treated with first- or second-generation antipsychotic medications (24). Long-term use of these medications is often required, in addition to continuous support of the caregivers and/or family members as about half of all people with schizophrenia have significant impairments in self-care skills.