Prevalence of psychosocial findings and their correlation with TMD symptoms in an adult population sample

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Some studies suggested an association between Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and psychosocial status, but most of them are focused on samples of patients looking for treatment or present limits of sample representativeness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychosocial status in a large sample of adult population, further than to assess its association to TMD symptoms, oral behaviours, and self-reported facial trauma.

RESULTS

the study sample included 4299 subjects older than 18 years randomly recruited from general population in public spaces during their daily life (1700 Males, 2599 Females mean ± SD age = 40.4 ± 18.1). Psychosocial status and pain-related disability were assessed by means of Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4) and Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS). TMD symptoms were assessed by RDC/TMD and validated screening tools for TMD pain. Oral Behaviours Checklist was used to investigate on oral behaviours. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of the psychosocial status, TMD symptoms, trauma, and oral behaviours. The association was tested using both univariate and multivariate models. The PHQ4 evaluation showed a severe impairment in 4.6% of our sample, moderate in 18.8% and mild in 32.5%. We found a Characteristic Pain Intensity (CPI) level and Interference Score greater that 30 respectively in 36.2% and 22.2% of the study sample. The GCPS status revealed a high disability with severe limitation in 2.5% of the sample, high disability with moderate limitation in 7.0%, low disability high pain intensity in 7.4% and low disability low pain intensity in 37.8%. Anxiety and depression's levels were significantly associated with gender, TMD pain, coexistence of TMD Pain and sound, and oral behaviours. GCPS status was significantly associated with age, TMD Pain, coexistence of TMD pain and sound, trauma, and oral behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS

In the general population, psychosocial impairment is associated to TMD pain, female gender, and report of oral behaviours. Hence, in adults with TMD accompanied by pain, psychosocial status should also be evaluated.

Pediatric Dentists' Practice Patterns in the Screening, Diagnosis, and Management of Temporomandibular Disorders

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is the main non-odontogenic cause of orofacial pain among youth. Pediatric dentists are often the first healthcare practitioners to perform a comprehensive oral examination in children, which should include evaluation of the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and surrounding structures for signs and/or symptoms of TMD. This study assessed pediatric dentists' practice patterns in the screening, diagnosis, and management of TMD.

METHODS

A 19-item online survey was used to assess pediatric dentists' clinical practice patterns and perceived knowledge and comfort levels in the screening, diagnosis, and management of TMD. The survey was distributed in July 2024, with a one-month window open for the study. Confidence levels and perceived knowledge were compared according to years from graduation and frequency of TMD screening assessment with ANOVA or independent t-test, as appropriate. Open-ended items were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

A total of 206 pediatric dentists and pediatric dentistry residents participated in this study. A share of 72.8% of respondents reported that up to 25% of their patients per week present with signs and symptoms of TMD. About one-fifth of pediatric dental providers never complete a screening history for TMD (22.1%) or a clinical assessment of TMD-related structures (21.6%). There was overall low self-perceived knowledge and confidence among pediatric dentists regarding the diagnosis, screening, and management of TMD in children and adolescents, regardless of the number of years from graduation. Respondents who reported seeing up to 50% of TMD patients reported significantly more knowledge and confidence in diagnosing pediatric TMD than those who encountered fewer TMD patients. An overwhelming majority (81.6%) indicated a need for continuing education courses and training focused on the management of TMD in pediatric patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers reported low confidence and self-perceived knowledge about TMD in pediatric populations, a high rate of referral of patients with TMD, and a particular interest for professional development opportunities focused on management of TMD.

JM. Cross-sectional study of self-reported pain related to temporomandibular disorders and emotional state of medical school faculty and students: Post-COVID-19 pandemic

The social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted in-person activities, which were immediately followed by adaptations to ensure, for example, the continuity of teaching. This generated emotional impacts on the academic community. Emotional states may trigger or emphasize conditions such as temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), causing pain and limiting masticatory function. This study aimed to compare the students and the faculty of a medical school first in terms of the TMD-caused pain they experienced during social isolation and reported two months later, according to their recollections, using the TMD-Pain Screener questionnaire. The second basis for comparison was the emotional state generated by social isolation and its connection with TMD symptoms assessed through the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), which considers perceptions at the time of data collection. Both questionnaires were responded to in May 2022 after the end of social isolation. The data were analyzed by the IBM-SPSS software for Windows 22.0 with a 5% level of significance. The results show that the self-reported TMD symptoms were more widespread (p = 0.002) and intense (p = 0.013) among students than among faculty and that all of the former's DASS-21 domains (depression, anxiety, and stress) were also more strongly evident (p<0.05). Only anxiety was more significant among the faculty (p = 0.027). Both groups pointed to social isolation as an aggravating factor of the symptoms (p<0.05). The conclusion is that the self-reported TMD-caused pain and all DASS-21 domains as experienced during social isolation were stronger and more prevalent among students than among faculty, and that only anxiety was statistically significant among faculty. Also, the emotional states resulting from social isolation may have aggravated TMD-caused pain in both groups.

Prevalence of psychological disorders in patients with temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect the muscles of mastication, the temporomandibular joint, and associated structures. They are generally classified as muscular or articular and are the main cause of pain in the orofacial region, eventually causing psychological problems. However, the real burden of psychological disorders is unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of psychological disorders in patients with TMDs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted through a bibliographic search carried out without initial limit until July 2021 in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Clinical observational studies investigating depression and somatization in patients with TMD diagnosed by the Diagnostic Research for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) criteria in muscular, articular, and disc disorders were included. A descriptive analysis of the included studies and a meta-analysis for the prevalence data were performed for the synthesis of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 2320 studies were found, of which 48 complete articles were assessed for eligibility and 22 were included in the analysis. The general prevalence of depression and moderate and severe somatization in patients diagnosed with TMD was estimated at 43.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 36.0% to 50.0%) and 60.0% (95% CI 52.0 - 67, 0%). The average overall score for depression was estimated at 0.92 (95% CI, 0.69-1.15), being classified as moderate depression. The average overall score for somatization was estimated at 1.09 (95% CI, 0.81-1.36), being classified as severe somatization. All analyses showed high heterogeneity (I2>90%). Based on the quality assessment, 80.9% of studies included in the review had low to moderate risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TMDs who seek clinical care show a high prevalence of depression and somatization.

Temporomandibular disorders and autonomic dysfunction: Exploring the possible link between the two using a questionnaire survey

OBJECTIVE

To assess autonomic function and investigate factors related to its dysfunction in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) from a biopsychosocial perspective.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients with TMD were investigated by clinical examination and questionnaires concerning biopsychosocial aspects (The Brief Pain Inventory, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised) and autonomic dysfunction (The COMPASS 31).

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were included in the study. The result of multiple regression analysis showed that four variables (sex, depression, age, and pain interference) were significantly associated with autonomic dysfunction. Increased orthostatic intolerance and bladder dysfunction were observed in females and males, respectively. Younger age was associated with higher orthostatic intolerance, while higher pain interference was associated with higher secretomotor dysfunction and bladder dysfunction. Further, higher depression scores were linked to higher scores in the gastrointestinal subdomain.

CONCLUSION

Autonomic dysfunction may affect TMD-related pain in the context of a biopsychosocial perspective.

Psychosocial factors associated with pain outcomes in patients with painful temporomandibular disorders and headaches

The objective of this study was to assess the association between psychosocial factors (in terms of anxiety, somatization, depression, and optimism) and pain (in terms of headache pain intensity and pain-related disability), in patients with a painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and one of the following headache types: migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), or headache attributed to TMD, corrected for the influence of bruxism. A retrospective study was conducted at an orofacial pain and dysfunction (OPD) clinic. Inclusion criteria were painful TMD, with migraine, TTH, and/or headache attributed to TMD. Linear regressions were performed to assess the influence of psychosocial variables on pain intensity and on pain-related disability, stratified per headache type. The regression models were corrected for bruxism and the presence of multiple headache types. A total of 323 patients (61% female; mean age 42.9, SD 14.4 years) were included. Headache pain intensity only had significant associations in TMD-pain patients with headache attributed to TMD, and anxiety showed the strongest relation (β = 0.353) with pain intensity. Pain-related disability was most strongly associated with depression in TMD-pain patients with TTH (β = 0.444), and with somatization in patients with headache attributed to TMD (β = 0.399). In conclusion, the influence of psychosocial factors on headache pain intensity and pain-related disability depends on the headache type presenting.

Variation in stress distribution modified by mandibular material property: a 3D finite element analysis

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a common oral and maxillary facial disease. Finite element method (FEM) has been widely used in TMD studies. Material assignment significantly affects FEM results. The differences in the methods of material assignment used in previous studies have not been comprehensively assessed for further calculations.

METHODS

The mandible material modelling approaches were of four types, namely: uniform modelling with (A) cortical bone; and (B) cancellous bone; (C) semi-uniform modelling with division of cortical and cancellous bone; and (D) non-uniform modelling with Computed tomography (CT) gray value related modulus. Meanwhile, the Young's modulus of values ranging from 20 to 300 GPa were considered for the teeth. Ten modellings were used to analyze and discuss the differences in contact pressure and contact force.

RESULTS

(1) The increase in teeth elastic modulus increased the maximum contact pressure on the alveolar bone and contact force on teeth, but induced insignificant stress variation on the temporomandibular joint; (2) The location of the maximum contact pressure was steady for all four modelling approaches of the mandibular material. However, the maximum contact pressure and contact force exhibited an insignificant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Teeth with a higher elastic modulus significantly enhanced the stress concentration in the alveolar bone; in contrast, it induced minor variations in the temporomandibular joint stress states. The extreme stress regions predicted by the four mandibular models were consistent with the actual damaged regions. However, non-uniform modellings based on CT values could better describe the mechanical properties of the human bone, which should be primarily considered.

Determination of pain intensity, pain-related disability, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in Polish adults with temporomandibular disorders: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

There is a need to assess a relationship between the psychoemotional state of patients and the occurrence and the intensity of pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in relation to a Polish population. There are no such precision data in the literature relating to the population of big Eastern European country. The study conducted by the authors refer to a large group of male and female adult patients of the Polish population in a different age profile. As a result, this study provides a picture of the situation that also takes into account population characteristics that may affect the clinical situation of patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the pain intensity, pain-related disability, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress among Polish adults with TMD as well as the association between psychosocial impairment and TMD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 219 adult patients from the Outpatient Clinic for Temporomandibular Disorders at the Academic Dental Polyclinic in Wroclaw. The patients completed validated questionnaires, and received a TMD diagnosis based on a standardized examination (Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders) performed by a qualified dentist. A statistical analysis was carried out on the collected data.

RESULTS

Myalgia was the most commonly diagnosed condition among the TMD patients. Furthermore, the prevalence of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression was high in the studied sample. Females showed more depression symptoms than males, while the level of anxiety and stress was similar in both groups. The most statistically significant correlation was observed between the group of masticatory muscle disorders and the level of depression, stress, pain intensity, and pain-related disability.

CONCLUSION

Due to the high prevalence of increased levels of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress, it is essential to screen the psychosocial status of Polish TMD adult patients. Psychosocial status may have an impact on a studied patient's response to treatment and pain intensity, and pain-related disability. Therefore, Polish TMD adult patients should be provided with management based on an interdisciplinary approach.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT05183503].

Comparison of sleep quality deterioration by subgroup of painful temporomandibular disorder based on diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders

Chronic pain conditions, including temporomandibular disorders, are closely related to poor sleep quality. This study investigated whether sleep deterioration in patients with painful temporomandibular disorder differed depending on the origin of pain, and also analyzed which clinical disease characteristics and whether psychological distress affected sleep quality. A total of 337 consecutive patients (215 women; mean age, 33.01 ± 13.01 years) with painful temporomandibular disorder (myalgia [n=120], temporomandibular joint arthralgia [n=62], mixed joint–muscle temporomandibular disorder pain [n=155]), who were assessed and classified based on the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder (DC/TMD), were enrolled. They completed a battery of standardized reports on clinical sign and symptoms, and answered questions on sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and patients’ psychological status. The mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were significantly higher in the mixed temporomandibular disorder pain group (6.97 ± 3.38) and myalgia group (6.40 ± 3.22) than in the arthralgia group (5.16 ± 2.94) (p=0.001). Poor sleepers were significantly more prevalent in the mixed temporomandibular disorder pain group (76.8%) and myalgia group (71.7%) than in the arthralgia group (54.8%) (p=0.006). The presence of psychological distress in the myalgia group (β=1.236, p=0.022), global severity index of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised in the arthralgia group (β=1.668, p=0.008), and presence of headache (β=1.631, p=0.002) and self-reported sleep problems (β=2.849, p<0.001) in the mixed temporomandibular disorder pain group were associated with an increase in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score. Ultimately, as the source of pain in painful temporomandibular disorder can affect and determine sleep quality and contributing factors, and as the complex interplay between sleep and pain can vary, a comprehensive treatment approach is necessary because good sleep is required by patients.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety in patients with masticatory muscle pain

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Although psychological disorders have been established as one of the etiological factors for temporomandibular disorders, anxiety levels in individuals with masticatory muscle pain before and during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not previously been compared.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate anxiety levels in patients with masticatory muscle pain at times before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty patients (18 to 68 years) with masticatory muscle pain were included in the study. All participants had completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 questionnaire (GAD-7) before the first COVID-19 infection had been reported in Turkey. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all participants were contacted by telephone to repeat the GAD-7 to evaluate changes in their psychology during the first lockdown. However, 18 of the 80 patients were unreachable. A statistical analysis was performed by using the Mann-Whitney U test. Proportion comparisons between sociodemographic characteristics and GAD-7 levels were performed by using the Fisher exact test (α=.05).

RESULTS

Forty-eight (60%) of the study population were women, and 32 (40%) were men, with a mean age ±standard deviation of 36.63 ±13.85 years. Both before and during the pandemic, GAD-7 scores were statistically similar as was each demographic parameter, including sex, educational status, and occupational status (P>.05). Also, no significant correlation was recorded between age and GAD-7 global scores obtained before and during the pandemic (r=-0.098 and r=-0.052, respectively, P>.05). However, during-pandemic GAD-7 scores were statistically higher than before-pandemic GAD-7 scores (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic parameters had no connection with anxiety levels in patients with masticatory muscle pain before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic anxiety levels in the participants were higher than the levels before the pandemic.

Opioid use among patients with pain syndromes commonly seeking surgical consultation: A retrospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Surgeons often see patients with pain to exclude organic pathology and consider surgical treatment. We examined factors associated with long-term opioid therapy among patients with foot/ankle, anorectal, and temporomandibular joint pain to aid clinical decision making.

METHODS

Using the IBM MarketScan® Research Database, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged 18-64 with a clinical encounter for foot/ankle, anorectal, or temporomandibular joint pain (January 2007-September 2015). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for factors associated with long-term opioid therapy, including age, sex, geographic region, pain condition, psychiatric diagnoses, and surgical procedures in the previous year.

RESULTS

The majority of the cohort of 1,500,392 patients were women (61%). Within the year prior to the first clinical encounter for a pain diagnosis, 14% had an encounter for a psychiatric diagnosis, and 11% had undergone a surgical procedure. Long-term opioid therapy was received by 2.7%. After multivariable adjustment, older age (age 50-64 vs. 18-29: aOR 4.47, 95% CI 4.24-4.72, p < 0.001), region (South vs. Northeast, aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.70-1.81, p < 0.001), recent surgical procedure (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.78-1.87, p < 0.001), male sex (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12-1.16, p < 0.001) and recent psychiatric diagnosis (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 2.43-2.54, p < 0.001) were independently associated with long-term opioid therapy.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with foot/ankle, anorectal, or temporomandibular joint pain, the risk of long-term opioid therapy significantly increased with older age, recent psychiatric diagnoses and surgical history. Surgeons should be aware of these risk factors in order to make high quality clinical decisions in consultations with these patients.

Efficacy of different combinations of physiotherapy techniques compared to exercise and patient education in temporomandibular disorders: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of different types of physiotherapy approaches in individuals with cervical myofascial painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

METHODS

Seventy-five participants with myofascial pain of jaw muscles and cervical myofascial pain were randomized into three groups: exercise group (E), low-level laser therapy group (LLLT), and manual pressure release group (MPR). All patients were assessed before treatment and after 12 sessions of treatment.

RESULTS

Significant improvement was seen in all groups' pressure pain threshold (PPT) values (p < 0.01). Some masticatory and neck muscles' PPT changes in MRP and LLLT groups were significantly higher than the exercise group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Exercise therapy is an effective approach for treatment of TMDs. Additionally, LLLT combined with exercise and MPR combined with exercise have better effects than only exercise therapy. Multimodal treatment approaches should include exercise to achieve better results in clinical practice.

Manifestation of stress and anxiety in the stomatognathic system of undergraduate dentistry students

Objective

To assess the relationship between psychoemotional state and signs of oral cavity occlusal and nonocclusal parafunctions, together with masseter muscle tone, in undergraduate dentistry students.

Methods

The study population comprised first and fifth grade dentistry students who were investigated using psychological and health questionnaires, and stomatological examination with electromyography of the masseter muscles. Differences in variables between first and fifth grade students were analysed using Student’s t-test or χ²-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse associations between variables.

Results

A total of 113 students (52 first-grade, mean age 20 years; and 61 fifth-grade, mean age 23.6 years) were included. Older age was associated with lower level of perceived stress and anxiety. Moreover, a significant positive relationship was observed between level of perceived stress and anxiety and tone of both masseter muscles.

Conclusions

Increased psychoemotional burden and increased rates of experienced anxiety were associated with growth of masseter muscle tone in this study population.

Influence of psychological factors on the prognosis of temporomandibular disorders pain

Background/purpose

The leading symptom of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is pain, and psychological factors are involved in the persistence of TMD-related pain. Therefore, this study was aimed to analyze the influence of psychological factors on the prognosis of TMD-related pain.

Materials and methods

The medical records of 486 patients with TMD-related pain were analyzed. Each patient's psychological profile was assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Patients were classified into two groups according to a post-treatment numeric rating scale (NRS). Patients with an NRS score of 0 or 1 at the last visit were classified into group G, and those with an NRS score of 2 or greater were classified into group P. Following this, all patients were re-classified into groups N and R according to pain recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate differences in the SCL-90-R T scores between the groups. In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify psychological factors that affected treatment outcome.

Results

The patients in groups P and R had higher scores in all subscales of the SCL-90-R than groups G and N, respectively. In particular, somatization (SOM) and psychoticism (PSY) scores showed significant differences between the groups in the treatment outcome.

Conclusion

A correlation is identified between psychological factors and treatment outcome in patients with TMD-related pain. In particular, patients with elevated SOM and PSY scores are more likely to develop refractory pain, and thus require additional interventions to control this risk.

Pain Predictors in a Population of Temporomandibular Disorders Patients

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential role of some biological, psychological, and social factors to predict the presence of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in a TMD-patient population. The study sample consisted of 109 consecutive adult patients (81.7% females; mean age 33.2 ± 14.7 years) who were split into two groups based on Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) diagnoses: painful TMD and non-painful TMD. The presence of pain was adopted as the depended variable to be identified by the following independent variables (i.e., predictors): age, gender, bruxism, tooth wear, chewing gum, nail biting, perceived stress level, chronic pain-related impairment (GCPS), depression (DEP), and somatization (SOM). Single-variable logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between TMD pain and DEP with an odds ratio of 2.9. Building up a multiple variable model did not contribute to increase the predictive value of a TMD pain model related to the presence of depression. Findings from the present study supported the existence of a relationship between pain and depression in painful TMD patients. In the future, study designs should be improved by the adoption of the best available assessment approaches for each factor.

Knowledge and management of temporomandibular joint disorders by general dentists in Spain

Background

Given the importance of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), we tried to assess general dentists' knowledge regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment in order to understand their attitude.

Material and Methods

A sample of 130 general dentists answered a 16-item questionnaire on three areas - etiology, diagnosis, and management of common temporomandibular disorders - as well as a question on the need for continuous education regarding TMD management in common clinical practice in Spain. Given that the descriptive statistics achieved reflect significantly different values among means in each area, a variance analysis for repeated measurements was applied in order to contrast differences among etiology, diagnosis, and management knowledge levels.

Results

The contrast test was based on Wilks' Lambda, which assumed a value of 0.120 (F = 467.28; p<.001), demonstrating statistically significant differences among knowledge levels in the three dimensions. The effect size for these differences, measured by partial eta squared, was very high (η2p = 0.88). Such parameters were also analyzed to search for potential differences according to professional experience, with differences being exposed as non-significant at the 0.05 level: etiology (T = 1.60; p = 0.113), diagnosis (T = - 0.17; p = 0.868), and treatment (T = 1.10; p = 0.273).

Conclusions

Our study found that, even though clinicians are generally skilled regarding the knowledge of the etiologic that explain the diagnosis of TMD, they have room for improvement in terms of TMD management compared to the other two areas studied. General dentists could benefit from specific educational programs enhancing TMD management skills. Key words:Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), knowledge and management. Clinical competence, postgraduate, continuing professional development. Surveys, education,orofacial pain.

Distribution of depression, somatization and pain-related impairment in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorders

Objective

the aim of this study was to describe the frequency of psychosocial diagnoses in a large sample of patients attending a tertiary clinic for treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Material and Methods

six hundred and ninety-one patients who sought treatment for pain-related TMD were selected. Chronic pain-related disability (Graded Chronic Pain Scale, GCPS), depression [Symptoms Checklist-90 (SCL-90) scale for depression, DEP] and somatization levels (SCL-90 scale for non-specific physical symptoms, SOM) were evaluated through the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) Axis II psychosocial assessment; TMD diagnoses were based on the Axis I criteria.

Results

the majority of patients presented a low disability or no disability at all, with only a small portion of individuals showing a severely limiting, high disability pain-related impairment (4.3%). On the other hand, abnormal scores of depression and somatization were high, with almost half of the individuals having moderate-to-severe levels of depression and three-fourths presenting moderate-to-severe levels of somatization. The prevalence of high pain-related disability (GCPS grades III or IV), severe/moderate depression and somatization was 14.3%, 44% and 74.1% respectively. Gender differences in scores of SCL-DEP (p=0.031) and SCL-SOM (p=0.001) scales were signficant, with females presenting the highest percentage of abnormal values.

Conclusion

patients with TMD frequently present an emotional profile with low disability, high intensity pain-related impairment, and high to moderate levels of somatization and depression. Therefore, given the importance of psychosocial issues at the prognostic level, it is recommended that clinical trials on TMD treatment include an evaluation of patients’ psychosocial profiles.

Correlation of somatization, depression, and chronic pain with clinical findings of the temporomandibular disorders in asymptomatic women

Objective: The aim of this study was to correlate degree of depression, somatization, and chronic pain in asymptomatic women with clinical findings, using Research Diagnostic Criteria/Temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD). Methods: A total of 200 female participants, ages 18-65, filled out a standard RDC/TMD axis II form for the assessment of chronic pain, disability, depression, and non-specific physical symptoms and underwent clinical examination of the temporomandibular joint. Correlation of clinical findings (axis I) and axis II assessment was performed using Spearman's correlation test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: There was a significant correlation between depression scores (p < 0.04), chronic pain (p < 0.001), and non-specific physical symptoms without questions about pain (p = 0.008). Discussion: The highest scores on the Graded Chronic Pain Scale were observed in patients with arthralgia, while patients with myofascial pain scored higher on depression and somatization tests.

Oral Behaviors and Parafunctions: Comparison of Temporomandibular Dysfunction Patients and Controls

The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of oral behaviors in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and a control group without TMD.In this baseline case-control study, 260 controls and 260 subjects with TMD completed the oral behaviors checklist defined as a "self-report scale for identifying and quantifying the frequency of jaw overuse behavior" and underwent clinical examinations using the DC/TMJ international examination form (version May 12, 2013). Relationships of oral parafunctions' frequencies between groups were examined. The statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software.Age and gender distribution in the study groups did not reveal statistical differences (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to establish system of independent oral behaviors for prognosis TMD. The stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that very frequent expression of holding, tightening, or tense muscles is associated with 10.83 times (P < 0.05) higher risk of TMD, grinding teeth together during waking hours with 4.94 times (P < 0.05) higher risk, and sustained talking with 2.64 times (P < 0.05) higher risk of TMD. By contrast, it was determined that 3 oral behaviors were less common in the TMD patients compared with the control group: clenching teeth together during waking hours, facing grimaces, and yawning (P < 0.05). The individuals with TMD reported a significantly higher frequency of 10 behaviors (P < 0.05), 3 of which may be regarded as independent risk factors for TMD. In addition, 3 oral behaviors were more frequently observed in the healthy subjects than in the TMD patients.

No Evidence Suggests that the Clinical Effectiveness of Conventional Occlusal Splints is Superior to That of Psychosocial Interventions for Myofascial Tempromandibular Disorders Pain

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

A systematic review and meta-analysis of usual treatment versus psychosocial interventions in the treatment of myofascial temporomandibular disorder pain. Fan Roldán-Barraza C, Janko S, Villanueva J, Araya I, Lauer HC. J Oral Facial Pain Headache 2014;28(3):205-22.

SOURCE OF FUNDING

Self-funding TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mental Status as a Common Factor for Masticatory Muscle Pain: A Systematic Review

Masticatory muscle pain (MMP) is the primary reason for chronic non-odontogenic orofacial pain in the human population. MMP has become a considerable social problem, which affects about 12-14% of the adult population and is 1.5-2 times more frequent in women than in men. This term defines a pain which has its origins in the masticatory muscles. Although MMP is typically felt in the face, jaws, and preauricular area, MMP can radiate to the ear, teeth, head, and neck. This systematic review explains the relationship between MMP and common mental states, such as anxiety, depression, mood and stress-related disorders, and is reported in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We performed a search in the PubMed database for peer-reviewed articles published after November 1st 2006 in the context of MMP and mental states. According to the defined criteria, 38 studies were finally included into the systematic review, of which prospective cohort studies were found to be the most common. We investigated four primary outcomes (anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and stress-related disorders) and several secondary outcomes of search. Seventy-nine percent of studies concerned depression, 42% anxiety, 29% mood disorders, and 21% stress-related disorders. Most of the studies showed a relationship between MMP and alterations in mental status. Nonetheless, the researchers usually evidenced only the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders and dysfunctions of the masticatory muscles among the group of patients, in large part in women. Moreover, some studies were marked with limited generalizability of the reported results, quality flaws and heterogeneity. In the light of the analyzed literature, the causal relationship between mental states and MMP is still not clearly established.

Clinical efficacy of a centric relation occlusal splint and intra-articular liquid phase concentrated growth factor injection for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders

The agony that accompanies the incidence and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is an important concern in the oral and maxillofacial region. The objective of this study was to explore the clinical findings after centric relation occlusal splint (CROS) treatment and intra-articular injection treatment with liquid phase concentrated growth factors (LPCGFs) in patients with disc displacement without reduction (DDWOR).The group under investigation of this retrospective cohort study included patients with DDWOR who received treatment from April 2014 until March 2016. The predictor variable was the therapeutic method. The outcome variables included joint crepitus sound, visual analog scale (VAS) of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia, TMD-associated headache, myofascial pain with referral, deviation of the mandible during opening (DoM), and maximal interincisal opening (MIO). At the stage of CROS treatment, evaluation of all variables adopted the individual as the unit; at the stage after LPCGF injection, the evaluation of joint sound adopted the joint as the unit, whereas the other variables adopted the individual as the unit.Among the 29 patients, 6 (20.68%) were males and 23 (79.31%) were females. Distribution by age ranged from 15 to 84 years (mean age 39.55 ± 15.49 years). After CROS treatment, except for the joint crepitus sound, which failed to achieve significant improvement (P > 0.05), other symptoms, such as DOM, TMD-associated headache, myofascial pain with referral, TMJ arthralgia, and MIO, all achieved statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05). After 2 mL of LPCGF was injected once after CROS treatment, 26 joint crepitus sound symptoms were relieved (P < 0.001) after an average of 48.5 ± 64.1 days.CROS alone can alleviate TMD clinical symptoms, except for the joint crepitus sound. Approximately 72.2% of joint crepitus sounds could be improved within 48 days, on average, once 2 mL of LPCGF was injected. Comparisons were still required in the future, with the effects of other therapeutic methods.

The associations between psychosocial aspects and TMD-pain related aspects in children and adolescents

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in children and adolescents is prevalent with pain as a common component, and has a comorbidity with psychosocial problems such as stress, depression, anxiety as well as somatic complaints. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate if psychosocial problems in children and adolescents are associated with TMD with pain (TMD-pain) and TMD without pain (TMD-painfree) when compared to children and adolescents without TMD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of 456 randomly selected children and adolescents, enrolled from 10 boy’s- and 10 girl’s- schools in Jeddah, between 10 and 18 years of age. On the examination day, prior to the clinical examination according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD Axis I and II, the participants first answered two validated questions about TMD pain, and after that the Arabic version of the Youth Self Report scale. According to their clinical examination and diagnosis the participants were divided into three groups; non-TMD group, TMD-pain group, and TMD-painfree group.

Results

The TMD-pain group presents a higher frequency of the internalizing problems anxiety, depression and somatic complaints than non-TMD group (p < 0.05). Regarding externalizing problems the only significant association found was for aggressive behavior in the TMD-pain group (p < 0.05). The TMD-pain group also shows a higher frequency of social problems than the non-TMD group. However, no such difference was found when compared to the TMD-painfree group. There was also a significant association with a higher frequency of thought problems in the TMD-pain group (p < 0.05). The children’s and adolescents’ physical activities were within border line clinical range for all three groups, whereas the social competence was within the normal range. There were no significant associations between any of the groups in this respect.

Conclusions

TMD-pain in children and adolescents does not seem to affect the social activities. However, TMD-pain seem to have a strong association to emotional, behavior and somatic functioning, with higher frequencies of anxiety, depression, somatic problems, aggressive behavior and thought problems, than children and adolescents without TMD-pain. With respect to the biopsychosocial model the present study indicates that there are significant associations to psychosocial, somatic and behavioral comorbidities and TMD-pain in children and adolescents in the Middle East region.

Aspectos clínicos e psicossociais avaliados por critérios de diagnóstico para disfunção temporomandibular

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a associação entre a classificação de diagnósticos clínicos (dor miofascial, desordem discal e articular) e a graduação de dor crônica, depressão e sintomas físicos não específicos em sujeitos com disfunção temporomandibular. Métodos: foram incluídos 32 pacientes, com média de idade de 28,71±4,66 anos. Como instrumento de avaliação, foi utilizado o Critério de Diagnóstico para Pesquisa das Desordens Temporomandibulares - Eixo I e II. Quanto ao grupo diagnóstico, 88,13% dos indivíduos apresentaram diagnóstico misto, sendo 43,75% dos grupos I e III (distúrbios musculares e articulares) e 34,38% dos grupos I, II e III (distúrbios musculares, articulares e deslocamento de disco). Resultados: de acordo com o eixo II, 96,88% dos participantes foram classificados com dor crônica grau I e II (baixa incapacidade e baixa intensidade; baixa incapacidade e alta intensidade). Graus moderado e grave de depressão foram observados em 84,38% dos participantes. Na avaliação de sintomas físicos não específicos incluindo e excluindo dor, respectivamente, 59,38% apresentaram sintomas severos e 71,88% apresentaram sintomas moderados e severos. Verificou-se relação significante dos diagnósticos clínicos de disfunção temporomandibular com o grau de sintomas físicos não específicos incluindo dor. Conclusão: alguns aspectos clínicos e psicossociais estão associados em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular, observando uma multiplicidade de diagnósticos clínicos com a presença de uma relação significante entre os diagnósticos clínicos encontrados e a presença de sintomas físicos inespecíficos com dor. Queixa de maior gravidade de sintomas físicos foi encontrada em pacientes com diagnóstico clínico múltiplo.

A Comparative Study of Trigger Point Therapy with Local Anaesthetic (0.5 % Bupivacaine) Versus Combined Trigger Point Injection Therapy and Levosulpiride in the Management of Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the Orofacial Region

AIM

To compare the efficacy of combined local anesthetic injection with 0.5 % bupivacaine and levosulpiride versus local anesthetic injection alone on outcome measures including levels of pain intensity and depression in the management of myofascial pain syndrome in orofacial region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled and open-label comparative clinical study. Seventy-four patients diagnosed to have myofascial pain syndrome and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group A received local anesthetic injection (0.5 % bupivacaine) on trigger points and Group B received combined trigger point injection therapy and 50 mg of tablet Levosulpiride orally B.I.D. They were assessed for pain intensity and depression at baseline and at follow-up of 1, 4, 6 and 12 week intervals.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 44.54 + 15.977 years in group A and 39.97 + 14.107 years in group B (P value = 0.2). Group A comprised of 25 females (67.567 %) and 12 males (32.432 %) while group B had 27 females (75 %) and 9 males (25 %). 70.27 % were diagnosed with moderate depression in group A and 75 % in group B. 18.91 % in group A and 19.44 % in group B were diagnosed with severe depression. When the VAS score and BDI score was compared at the follow-up intervals with the baseline scores in both treatment groups, the mean difference was highly significant at all the follow-up intervals. However when the relative efficacies of two interventions were compared between the two groups, improvement in pain was significant at all the follow-up intervals except the 1st week follow-up whereas the improvement in depression was non-significant at 1st and 4th week interval while it was highly significant at 6th and 12th week intervals.

CONCLUSION

The combined therapy with trigger point injection and levosulpiride as antidepressant significantly reduces pain and depression in the study subjects suffering from chronic myofascial pain with moderate to severe depression in the orofacial region.

Investigation of the Relationship between Increased Vertical Overlap with Minimum Horizontal Overlap and the Signs of Temporomandibular Disorders

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there was no relationship between increased vertical overlap (vertical overlap ≥4 mm) with minimal horizontal overlap (horizontal overlap ≤2 mm) and the signs of temporomandibular disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty participants (20 women, aged 20 to 45 years) with increased vertical overlap and minimal horizontal overlap, and 30 participants (20 women, aged 20 to 45 years) with no contact between the anterior teeth (control group) were examined. Diagnoses, psychological status (depression and nonspesific physical symptoms), and chronic pain severity were judged according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and then compared. For statistical analysis of quantitative data, along with the descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, frequency), Student's t-test was used to compare parameters that reflected a normal distribution. Comparison of qualitative data between groups was performed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

In this study, deviation upon maximum opening was found significantly more frequently in the increased vertical overlap group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Tenderness upon palpation of lateral pterygoid muscles was observed more often in the increased vertical overlap group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Opening-closing joint sounds occurred significantly more often in the increased vertical overlap group than in the control group (p = 0.050).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, deviation upon maximum opening, tenderness of lateral pterygoid muscles (upon palpation), and opening-closing joint sounds occurred more often in the increased vertical overlap occlusions with minimum horizontal overlap compared to the control groups. These results indicated that clinicians should pay special attention to the tempormandibuar joint status of patients with significant vertical overlap anteriorly and position of the incisors when performing dental treatments that require reestablishment of incisor relationships.

An assessment of the usefulness of Kinesiograph as an aid in the diagnosis of TMD: a review of Manfredini et al.'s studies

AIM

Performing a literature review of publications by Dr. Manfredini et al. related to their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injection therapy outcome with conclusions on the clinical utility of computerized measurement devices used in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). In addition, reviewing their published opinion on an occlusion: TMD versus a biopsychosocial paradigm for TMD. Manfredini et al. authored an article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) 2013, "An Assessment of the usefulness of jaw kinesiography in monitoring temporomandibular disorders," the most recent of 12 articles. In all studies, subjects received TMJ injections with an objective measurement outcome criterion; increased maximum mouth opening (MMO) and subjective symptom improvement of pain and chewing function. In the 2013 JADA article, the Mandibular Kinesiograph, referred to as KG, measured MMO before and after therapy. In 11 prior articles, all subject groups with limited mouth opening exhibited very significant increased MMO post-treatment, documenting treatment success using the same 2013 protocol. The 2013 study showed a 1·1 mm improved MMO, described as insignificant. The authors did not critique or explain the aberrant, skewed 2013 outcome data contrasted with their prior studies, which showed overwhelmingly significant increased MMO. Instead, they concluded that the MMO recording device was clinically useless. This motivated a literature review of the authors' TMD publications.

CONCLUSION

The publications by Manfredini et al. recognized proponents of the psychosocial model of TMD, including the 2013 article, appear to be part of a campaign denying an occlusion: TMD relationship and disparaging the specific computerized measurement devices and the dentists using them in the management of their TMD patients using neuromuscular occlusion dental treatment.

Evaluation of pain regression in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction treated by intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections: a preliminary report

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the regression of temporomandibular pain as a result of intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction previously subjected to prosthetic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The baseline study material consisted of 10 patients, both males and females, aged 28 to 53 years, previously treated due to painful temporomandibular joint dysfunction using occlusal splints. All patients were carried out to a specialist functional assessment of the dysfunction using the Polish version of the RDC/TMD questionnaire axis I and II. Intra-articular injections were preceded by a preparation of PRP. The injection sites were determined by the method used during arthroscopic surgical procedures. Following aspiration, 0.5 mL of plasma was injected into each temporomandibular joint.

RESULTS

The comparison of the intensity of pain during all examinations suggests a beneficial effect of the procedure being performed as the mean VAS score was 6.5 at examination I, 2.8 at examination II, and 0.6 at examination III.

CONCLUSION

Application of the intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma into the temporomandibular joints has a positive impact on the reduction of the intensity of pain experienced by patients treated for temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Prevalence and correlation between TMD based on RDC/TMD diagnoses, oral parafunctions and psychoemotional stress in Polish university students

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral parafunctions, as well as their correlation with psychoemotional factors in Polish university students. The research was conducted in a group of 456 students (N = 456). The examination form comprised of two parts: survey and clinical examination. The research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) was used in order to assess TMD. Symptoms of TMD were observed in 246 (54%) students after clinical examination. The largest group involved students with disc displacement (women: 132, 29%; men: 70, 15%). Women (164; 36%) suffered more frequently than men (82; 18%) from problems related to the stomatognathic system (P < 0.05), described themselves as easily excitable and emotionally burdened, and reported symptoms as tightness of the facial and neck muscles (P < 0.05). In 289 (64%) students intraoral symptoms concerning occlusal parafunctions were observed. In 404 (89%) examined students, nonocclusal parafunctions were recorded. A significant correlation between TMD and psychoemotional problems could be detected. TMD symptoms more often concern women. Emotional burden and excitability are factors predisposing muscular disorders.

Evaluation of salivary cortisol and anxiety levels in myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome

Background

Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS), otherwise called myofascial pain is one of the most common temporomandibular disorders, which in turn is the most common cause of orofacial pain of non-dental origin. Its etiology is multifactorial and still poorly understood. Psychological factors have been shown to play a role in the etiology. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between anxiety and salivary cortisol levels in patients with myofascial pain.

Methods

Twenty patients suffering from myofascial pain were recruited as the study group. The same number of age and sex matched healthy individuals were taken as the control group. The salivary samples collected between 9-9:15 am from both groups were analyzed for cortisol levels with the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Anxiety levels of 40 patients were measured using Hamilton's anxiety scale.

Results

The mean serum cortisol level of the MPDS group showed a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) from the controls. The mean anxiety scores of the MPDS group showed a highly significant difference (p < 0.001) from the controls. A positive correlation was found between anxiety and the salivary cortisol levels in MPDS patients.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that anxiety plays a vital role in the etio-pathogenesis of MPDS; thus, besides pharmacological treatment, psychological support is also needed.

Salivary cortisol and psychological factors in women with chronic and acute oro-facial pain

The aim of this study was to compare the salivary cortisol level, pain intensity and psychological factors between patients with chronic and acute oro-facial pain (OP) and pain-free subjects. Twenty-seven females with chronic OP (a diagnosis of myofascial pain according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders with at least 6 months duration), 24 females with acute OP (<10 days duration) and 27 pain-free females participated. Morning saliva was collected from all participants for analyses of the cortisol level. The pain intensity was assessed on a 0-10 numeric rating scale. The participants were evaluated by the Symptom Checklist 90-revised for levels of depression and somatisation, and the Perceived Stress Scale. The cortisol levels among the three patient groups were similar with no significant group differences. The median (interquartile range) current pain level did not differ between chronic and acute OP and was, respectively, 5 (4) and 5 (3). Patients with chronic OP showed significantly higher scores for depression, somatisation and perceived stress compared with patients with acute OP (Ps < 0.001), but there were no significant differences between acute OP and controls. To conclude, there were no differences in cortisol level between groups, despite significant higher levels of depression, somatisation and perceived stress in patients with chronic OP. This shows that psychological distress has a more important role in chronic than in acute OP. However, the relation between pain, adreno-cortical activity and psychological distress is complex and warrants further investigation.

Influences of implant condyle geometry on bone and screw strains in a temporomandibular implant

A 3D finite element model of an in vitro implanted mandible was analysed. The load point was placed on the condyle in three positions (inside the mouth, centred and outside) to simulate different contact points between the mandible condyle and the temporal bone. The strain fields in the condyle were assessed and detailed around the surgical screws. The temporomandibular implant studied here was modelled on a commercial device that uses four screws to fix it in vivo in a very similar position. The boundary conditions of the numerical model simulated a load on the incisors with a 15 mm mouth aperture. The same contact loads were applied to the two condyles. Numerical results were successfully obtained for the three different contact points: the inside contact produced lower strains on the condyle. The first screw created a critical strain distribution in the bone, just under the screw. The study shows that centred and inside contact induces lower strain distributions. This suggests that spherical condyle geometry should be applied in order to reduce the strains in fixation. As the top screw was observed to play the most critical role, the third screw is in fact unnecessary, since the lower strain distribution suggests that it will be loosened.

Temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome: A prospective study of 255 consecutive patients

Objective

To determine the relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome (TMDS), sex and pain severity.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively from consecutive patients with TMDS. Patients were divided into four subgroups according to signs and symptoms: myofascial pain; intra-articular disorders; extra-articular disorders; degenerative disorders. Intergroup sex distribution differences were evaluated, the pain severity between the four subgroups was compared, and the rates of bruxism and inco-ordination were measured. A visual analogue scale was used to rate the pain.

Results

A total of 255 patients with TMDS were included in the study. A significantly higher rate of extra-articular disorders was found in male patients. Bruxism was found to be significantly more common in females than in males. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of inco-ordination based on sex. The overall pain score was higher in females than in males, but there was no significant difference. The pain score was significantly higher in patients in the degenerative disorders subgroup, compared with other subgroups.

Conclusions

There was no relationship between TMDS and pain and sex. Pain scores were significantly higher in the degenerative disorders subgroup, compared with other subgroups.

Identifying potential predictors of pain-related disability in Turkish patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder pain

Background

The aims of this study were to examine whether patients’ psychosocial profiles influence the location of pain, and to identify the clinical and psychosocial predictors of high levels of pain-related disability in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients with chronic pain at least 6 months in duration.

Methods

The Research Diagnostic Criteria of TMD (RDC/TMD) data for Axis I and II were obtained for 104 consecutive patients seeking treatment.

Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, chi-square test, One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and binary multiple logistic regression tests. Patients were classified into two groups according to Graded Chronic Pain Scale scores: Grade III and IV were scored for patients with high levels of pain-related disability, whereas Grade I and II were scored for patients with low disability.

Results

Muscle and joint pain were found in 64.9% and 31.8% of the patients, respectively, and 27.3% of the patients suffered from both muscle and joint pain.

Psychosocial disability was found in 26% of patients. There were no statistically significant differences among the diagnostic subgroups with regards to the demographic, behavioral, psychological, and psychosocial characteristics. Patients with high levels of pain-related disability had significantly higher depression, somatization, pain intensity and jaw disability scores than those with low levels of pain-related disability.

Patients with high levels of pain-related disability were more likely to have higher pain intensity, to report higher somatization symptoms and functional impairment, and were less likely to have joint pain than those with low levels of pain related disability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Turkish version RDC/TMD, based on a dual axis system, may be used to screen chronic TMD patients at high-risk for pain-related disability who need comprehensive care treatment program.

Pain-related symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in the offspring of antenatally depressed mothers and depressed parents: a 31-year follow-up of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

BACKGROUND

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are clinical problems involving the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Aspects of the aetiology of TMD are controversial. Many studies have identified an association between depression and TMD. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between both maternal antenatal depression and parental depression during the offspring's childhood with TMD symptoms of the offspring during adulthood and to evaluate the effect of the offspring's own depression on this association.

METHODS

In the general population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC 1966), mothers of 12,058 children were asked at mid-gestation at the antenatal clinic if they felt depressed. Of these offspring who had data available on TMD symptoms in the computer-aided inquiry at the 31-year field study, a final study data of 5541 subjects was compiled. The Finnish Hospital Discharge Register was used to identify depression in the parents between the years 1972 and 1984 (when offspring were 6-18 years old).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant associations between TMD symptoms and maternal antenatal depressed mood. However, parental depression during the offspring's childhood associated significantly with facial pain [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.64; 1.05-2.56] and with TMJ pain at jaw rest (OR = 1.81; 1.13-2.89), even after adjusting for gender, occupation of the father, family type at birth and the offspring's self-reported depression in adulthood.

CONCLUSION

The risk for TMD symptoms is not elevated in the offspring of antenatally depressed mothers. Parental depression during an offspring's childhood increases the risk of pain-related TMD symptoms in their early adulthood.

Comparative effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine and psychosocial care in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders-associated chronic facial pain

This dual-site study sought to identify the appropriate role for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM; acupuncture and herbs) in conjunction with a validated psychosocial self-care (SC) intervention for treating chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD)-associated pain. Participants with Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders-confirmed TMD (n = 168) entered a stepped-care protocol that began with a basic TMD class. At weeks 2 and 10, patients receiving SC whose worst facial pain was above predetermined levels were reallocated by minimization to SC or TCM with experienced practitioners. Characteristic facial pain (CFP: mean of worst pain, average pain when having pain, and current pain; each visual analog scale [VAS] 0-10) was the primary outcome. Social activity interference (VAS 0-10) was a secondary outcome. Patients were monitored for safety. TCM provided significantly greater short-term (8-week) relief than SC (CFP reduction difference, -.60 [standard deviation of the estimate .26], P = .020) and greater reduction in interference with social activities (-.81 [standard deviation of the estimate .33], P = .016). In 2 of 5 treatment trajectory groups, more than two thirds of participants demonstrated clinically meaningful responses (≥30% improvement) in pain interference over 16 weeks. This study provides evidence that TMD patients referred for TCM in a community-based model will receive safe treatment that is likely to provide some short-term pain relief and improved quality of life. Similar designs may also apply to evaluations of other kinds of chronic pain. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00856167).

PERSPECTIVE

This short-term comparative effectiveness study of chronic facial pain suggests that TCM is safe and frequently efficacious alone or subsequent to standard psychosocial interventions. TCM is widely available throughout North America and may provide clinicians and patients with a reasonable addition or alternative to other forms of therapy.

Comparison between the SCL-90-R and MMPI in TMD patients with psychological problems

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between the Symptom Checklist-90-Revision (SCL-90-R) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients with psychological problems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjective symptoms, objective signs, and psychological characteristics of 36 TMD patients with psychological problems were analyzed. The symptom severity index (SSI) and craniomandibular index (CMI) were used to assess subjective symptoms and objective signs of patients with TMD, respectively. The SCL-90-R and MMPI were used for psychological evaluation.

RESULTS

The SSI was not significantly correlated with the CMI in TMD patients with psychological problems, and these indices displayed significant correlations with the SCL-90-R and MMPI in several selected subscales. The results of SCL-90-R had a limited relationship with those of MMPI in these patients. Based on the MMPI diagnosis, the SCL-90-R somatization subscale showed moderate to high sensitivity and specificity, but the SCL-90-R depression subscale showed moderate to low sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the limited relationship between the SCL-90-R and MMPI in TMD patients with psychological problems, more comprehensive psychological tests are recommended when clinicians suspect patients with TMD of having accompanying psychological problems.

Efficacy of botulinum toxin type A for treatment of persistent myofascial TMD pain: a randomized, controlled, double-blind multicenter study

Evidence of an effect by botulinum toxins is still lacking for most pain conditions. In the present randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover multicenter study, the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) was investigated in patients with persistent myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Twenty-one patients with myofascial TMD without adequate pain relief after conventional treatment participated. A total of 50 U of BTX-A or isotonic saline (control) was randomly injected into 3 standardized sites of the painful masseter muscles. Follow-up was performed after 1 and 3 months, followed by a 1-month washout period, after which crossover occurred. Pain intensity at rest was the primary outcome measure, while physical and emotional function, global improvement, side effects, and clinical measures were additional outcome measures. There was no main difference between drugs (ANOVA; P=.163), but there was a significant time effect (P<.001), so BTX-A reduced mean (SD) percent change of pain intensity by 30 (33%) after 1 month and by 23 (30%) after 3 months compared to 11 (40%) and 4 (33%) for saline. The number of patients who received a 30% pain reduction was not significantly larger for BTX-A than after saline at any follow-up visit. The number needed to treat was 11 after 1 month and 7 after 3 months. There were no significant changes after treatment in any other outcome measures, with the exception of pain on palpation, which decreased 3 months after saline injection (P<.05). These results do not indicate a clinical relevant effect of BTX-A in patients with persistent myofascial TMD pain.

Correlation of RDC/TMD axis I diagnoses and axis II pain-related disability. A multicenter study

As part of an ongoing multicenter investigation involving four highly specialized tertiary clinics for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) treatment, retrospective analysis of Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) axis I and axis II data gathered on clinic and community cases were assessed with a twofold aim: (1) to search for a correlation between axis I diagnoses and axis II pain-related disability, and (2) to identify clinical (axis I) and psychosocial (axis II) predictors of high pain-related disability. Two samples of patients seeking treatment for TMD (clinic cases, N = 1,312) and a sample of general population subjects (community cases, N = 211) underwent a thorough assessment in accordance with the RDC/TMD version 1.0 [1] guidelines to receive both axis I and axis II diagnoses. Spearman's test was performed to assess the level of correlation between axis I diagnoses and Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) pain-related disability. A stepwise multiple logistic regression model was used to identify the significant associations between 12 clinical and psychosocial predictors and the presence of high pain-related disability. Axis I findings were related with pain-related impairment (GCPS scores) in the overall study sample including both clinic community cases (Spearman correlation = 0.129, p = 0.000), but the results of the correlation analyses performed on the clinic sample alone were not significant (Spearman correlation = -0.018, p = 0.618). Predictors for high disability were related to axis II findings (severe depression and somatization) or psychosocial aspects related to the pain experience (pain lasting from more than 6 months; treatment-seeking behavior), while none of the axis I diagnoses remained in the final logistic regression model. The final model predicted the level of pain-related impairment at a fair level (R(2) = 26.7%). The correlation between axis I diagnoses and pain-related impairment is not significant in the patients populations. Treatment-seeking behavior and other factors related with the pain experience are likely to be more important than the physical findings to determine the degree of psychosocial impairment.