A double-blind randomized clinical trial on the suggestive effect of anxiety management questionnaires in dental emergencies

Carla Irene Benz; Carla Irene Benz; Celina Wolanski; Martina Piefke; Guglielmo Campus; Guglielmo Campus; Andree Piwowarczyk; Thomas Gerhard Wolf; Thomas Gerhard Wolf

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1333594

Frontiers in Psychology (Feb 2024)

A double-blind randomized clinical trial on the suggestive effect of anxiety management questionnaires in dental emergencies

Carla Irene Benz,
Carla Irene Benz,
Celina Wolanski,
Martina Piefke,
Guglielmo Campus,
Guglielmo Campus,
Andree Piwowarczyk,
Thomas Gerhard Wolf,
Thomas Gerhard Wolf

Affiliations

Carla Irene Benz: Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Carla Irene Benz: Department of Prosthodontics and Dental Technology, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
Celina Wolanski: Department of Prosthodontics and Dental Technology, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
Martina Piefke: Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
Guglielmo Campus: Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Guglielmo Campus: Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai, India
Andree Piwowarczyk: Department of Prosthodontics and Dental Technology, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
Thomas Gerhard Wolf: Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Thomas Gerhard Wolf: Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1333594
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 15

Abstract

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ObjectiveDental anxiety is widespread among both children and adults. To diagnose dental anxiety, standardized anxiety questionnaires are recommended. Based on the suggestive nature of the questionnaires, the study aimed to find out whether asking respondents about personal coping strategies before dental treatment influences their anxiety.MethodsThis prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial included a total of 158 patients of a university dental clinic on emergency service. The intervention group (n = 82) received the Coping with Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ) and the control group (n = 76) the Hierarchical Anxiety Questionnaire (HAF). State anxiety scores were assessed by using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after the completion of each questionnaire.ResultsAnxiety decreased in the intervention group (CAQ) (p < 0.001) and increased in the control group (HAF) (p < 0.001).ConclusionWithin the limitations of the current study, a diagnostic tool of a standardized questionnaire for the assessment to assess personal coping strategies decreased state anxiety in comparison to a questionnaire assessing anxiety.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.drks.de, German Trials Register (DRKS00032450).

Published in Frontiers in Psychology

ISSN: 1664-1078 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Philosophy. Psychology. Religion: Psychology
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology

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