Background: The aim of this study was to determine the success of psychotherapeutic treatment for dental phobia\nby measurement of anxiety using the dental anxiety score (DAS), the state trait anxiety score (STAI state), salivary\ncortisol and protein concentrations and the salivary secretion rate. Primary endpoint of the study was the\ncomparison of the data before and after psychotherapeutic treatment.\nMethods: Forty patients were included into the study. Twenty-four were allocated to the phobic group, 16 to the\ncontrol group. Saliva was collected upon entering the dental clinic and again after three weeks of psychotherapy.\nThe results were compared with those of a control group. The DAS and STAI questionnaires were completed at\neach visit.\nResults: A reduction in DAS values was found after psychotherapy. However, the values remained significantly\nhigher in the phobic group than in the controls. Similar results were found for STAI scores. A slightly higher salivary\ncortisol level was found in the phobic group. No changes occurred in cortisol or protein concentrations. The\nsalivary secretion rate increased in the phobic patients after psychotherapy.\nConclusions: It could be concluded that psychotherapy is effective in the treatment of dental phobic patients
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