The use of psychometric tests in the evaluation of patients presenting for orthognathic surgery - a preliminary report

Psychological evaluation in some orthognathic patients may be necessary as the psychosocial stress of the deformity may lead to psychiatrie morbidity such as depression or paranoid disorders. It is also possible for patients with underlying psychosis to present first to the dental surgeon for jaw correction. The use of several psychological tests appropriate for patients presenting with dentofacial deformities is discussed. Nine patients with skeletal malocclusions who were referred for psychiatrie assessment are reported here. Three case vignettes are included to give an impression of the type of clinical situations where such an assessment may be helpful.