Psychiatry in orthodontics. Part 1: Typical adolescent psychiatric disorders and their relevance to orthodontic practice.

Adolescence is a time of rapid physical and mental development. It is also a time when many diagnosable psychiatric diseases are first noticed. A prior study showed that a high rate of suicidal behavior is seen in orthodontic practices. The orthodontist is in a unique position among medical practitioners because treatment occurs over several years with frequent appointments. This article is a current review of the etiology, diagnosis, and therapy for several pertinent mental disorders that occur in adolescents, including mood disorders, schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. All have been associated with high rates of suicidal behavior and completed suicides. With a keen eye for the development of psychiatric issues, the orthodontist is in a position to make appropriate referrals, if needed.