Initial assessment of the psycho-emotional state of patients with temporomandibular disorders: A pilot study

Abstract

Background. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions that affect the function of the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joints and surrounding structures.Objectives. The objective of the preliminary investigation was to develop an initial questionnaire for emotional assessment, pre-designed for TMD patients, and provide guidance for further management through referral to psychological and/or psychiatric counseling. Additionally, we aimed to compare the results of tests carried out in TMD patients with those of healthy subjects. Material and methods.The study involved 260 patients who reported for dental treatment. The TMD study group (Group 1, n = 130) consisted of patients diagnosed with TMD, and the control group (Group 2, n = 130) had TMD diagnostically excluded. The questionnaire included 30 questions about the emotional state of the patients in the past 4 weeks.Results. The mean scores were 37.715 points for Group 1 (median (Me) = 35.5, standard deviation (SD) = 12.58 and 24.938 points for Group 2 (Me = 24, SD = 7.95) (p < 0.001).Conclusions. The research suggests that the developed questionnaire is useful for an initial assessment of the psycho-emotional state of TMD patients. Furthermore, the results emphasize a greater need for psychological counseling in TMD patients compared to their healthy counterparts.

Anxiety mediates association between sex and jaw function limitation in temporomandibular disorder patients from China

“…There is a bidirectional relationship between anxiety disorders and TMD ( 41 , 42 ). The prevalence of anxiety is higher in patients with TMD ( 21 , 22 ). Some studies have speculated that the prevalence of TMD may be associated with the fact that women are under greater stress in society ( 43 , 44 ).…”

“…A bidirectional relationship between TMD and anxiety is thought to exist and multiple psychological variables can serve as predictors of TMD ( 20 ). Several studies have pointed to a higher prevalence of anxiety in patients with TMD compared to healthy individuals ( 16 , 21 , 22 ). And psychosocial disorders play an important role in the development of TMD ( 11 , 23 ).…”