Keywords:  temporomandibular joint dysfunction, TMD, temporomandibular joint, TMJ, Orofacial pain, mouth, joint pain, TMD joint pain, Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and palpation

A recent study conducted by the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Plastic Surgery, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany, showed that depressive and anxiety symptoms should be considered as risk factors for TMD pain.  Of the 3006 Caucasian participants in this study, 122 of those participants had signs of TMD joint pain upon palpation.  Those with symptoms of depression had an increased risk of TMD joint pain.  Dr. Stan Farrell, who is a Diplomate with the American Board of Orofacial Pain and a licensed General Dentist in the state of Arizona, is passionate about alleviating the pain caused by TMD.  He uses the most effective methods of treatment and works diligently to erase the pain caused by TMD in the lives of his patients. If you are experiencing head pain or jaw pain because of increased anxiety or depression, schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Farrell at 480-945-3629.   www.headpaininstitute.com

Kindler S, Samietz S, Houshmand M, Grabe HJ, Bernhardt O, Biffar R, Kocher T, Meyer G, Völzke H, Metelmann HR, Schwahn C.

Abstract:

Previous studies have associated depression and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs). The temporality, however, remains to be clarified. Most patient studies have selected subjects from treatment facilities, whereas in epidemiological studies a clinical examination has not been performed. In this study the 5-year follow-up data of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were analyzed. To estimate the effect of symptoms of depression and those of anxiety on the risk of TMD pain, the Composite International Diagnostic-Screener (CID-S) and a clinical functional examination with palpation of the temporomandibular joint and the masticatory muscles were used. After exclusion of subjects having joint pain at baseline, a sample of 3,006 Caucasian participants with a mean age of 49 years resulted. Of those, 122 participants had signs of TMD joint pain upon palpation. Subjects with symptoms of depression had an increased risk of TMD joint pain upon palpation (rate ratio: 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.5-3.0; P < .001). Anxiety symptoms were associated with joint and with muscle pain. The diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of TMD pain should also consider symptoms of depression and those of anxiety, and appropriate therapies if necessary. PERSPECTIVE: Depressive and anxiety symptoms should be considered as risk factors for TMD pain. Depressive symptoms are specific for joint pain whereas anxiety symptoms are specific for muscle pain, findings that deserve detailed examination. These findings may support decision-making in treating TMD.