to investigate the effect of oral hygiene self-efficacy in patients with grief (G) and complicated grief (CG)

Aim: to investigate the effect of oral hygiene self-efficacy in patients with grief (G) and complicated grief (CG). Study design: randomized controlled trial. Setting: Institute of Psychiatry-FMUSP (Ipq-FMUSP). Subjects: cases: patients seeking for treatment or under treatment for CG (Group 1), and patients with normal grief (Group 2). Controls: Hospital staff at the HC-FMUSP or volunteers from a list of other studies conducted at the Ipq-FMUSP (Group 3). Method. Psychiatric evaluation: Structured Clinical Interview (SCID), Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) and clinical interview. Intervention: instruction of oral hygiene. Dental evaluation: probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and frequency of plaque at six sites per tooth. Procedures: all participants will complete the psychiatry and dental evaluation at baseline. The bleeding on probing and frequency of plaque will be recorded at baseline, once a week (1 month follow-up) and at 3 months. The probing depth and clinical attachment level will be recorded at baseline and at 3 months. After 3 months, the patients will be referred for dental treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of grief or complicated grief
• Informed consent signature

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with severe major depressive disorder at risk for suicide;
• Substance abuse or dependence,
• Psychotic disorders
• Systemic alteration that precludes periodontal clinical examination