Assessment of Salivary Alpha-Amylase, Cortisol, and Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorder in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

There has been a general uptick in the number of people diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) worldwide, which has led to a commensurate rise in the need for oral medicine in developed nations. Oral medicine bridges the gap between dentistry and medicine, and many illnesses and conditions that cause orofacial discomfort have traditionally been related to psychiatric conditions and disorders. Participants in the study were required to have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and to have been getting therapy for at least two weeks before starting the study. There were 49 patients in this group. The participants in the control group were all in good health and showed no indications or symptoms of having a systemic disease. There were 34 people in this group. To conclude a diagnosis for each individual, the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was used (DSM5). The results of t-test indicated no significant difference in the levels of salivary cortisol between the study group and control group (p > 0.05); this was the conclusion reached by the test. On the other hand, the salivary alpha-amylase levels were significantly greater (p > 0.05) in MDD patients compared to control subjects. There was a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) between MDD patients and control participants. MDD patients had significantly higher scores on FAI and a much higher prevalence of TMD than healthy controls. In conclusion, it was shown that patients diagnosed with MDD had higher alpha-amylase levels in their saliva.