Prevelence of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions (TMDs) and depressive symptoms and feelings of stress in physiotherapy students with type D personality

Abstract

Background. Recent scientific reports in dentistry and psychology tend to emphasize the role of various personality traits in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) multimodal etiology. Since type D personality is a new construct, there has not been much research published regarding this subject. It encompasses both the tendency to experience negative emotions and the tendency to refrain from expressing them. The impact of this combined effect on the increase in stress intensity and the development of somatic and psychiatric illnesses is clearly highlighted. The data presented in the scientific report complement previous insights during ongoing research on Type D personality in people with TMD predisposing factors. Aim. The aim of this article was to assess the influence of type D personality and its two dimensions on the prevalence of symptoms located in TMJ and adjacent tissues, predisposing factors, depression, and levels of perceived stress. Material and methods. The study was conducted on a group of 240 physiotherapy students. The study group (G1) comprised of 120 students with DS. 14 type D personality. The control group (G2) consisted of the same number of people without Type D personality. Data obtained included symptoms of TMJ symptoms, and predisposing factors according to original questionnaire form developed for the study; PSS10 stress severity questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were also used. Results. In the study group, TMD symptoms significantly positively correlate with type D personality (with NE a stronger correlation than with SI), PSS10 and BDI, and negatively correlate with age. Students with type D personality had significantly more frequent and higher TMD symptoms than those without stress personality (p = 0.000). The exception was the symptom of increased muscle tension which showed no statistical difference (p = 0.222). People with Type D personality are more than 6 times more likely to clench their teeth (OR = 6.76) and 3 times more likely to have TMJ acoustic symptoms (OR = 3.35) and teeth grinding (OR = 3.27). In the study group, as the level of perceived stress and degree of depression increased, the number of TMJ and preauricular area complaints reported were also on the rise. In the group of students with type D personality, depression was significantly more frequent than in the group without stress personality (p = 0.000). Conclusion. Students with Type D personality risk experiencing more TMJ and preauricular area issues, while coping with more stress and depressed mood.