Psychological factors in temporomandibular joint dysfunction: anxiety.

Abstract

This study was to clarify the relationship between anxiety and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) in a group of patients with TMJD (N = 105) and a matched control group (N = 90) using measures of anxiety, relevant physical parameters and a number of other psychological variables. Patients were divided into high and low anxiety groups using the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory and compared using measures obtained from the Gerke-Goss Inventory on Dental and Psychological Factors. Statistical comparison revealed no significant differences between the anxiety groups in physical parameters. Both of the TMJD groups (high and low anxiety) revealed more prominent features of Abnormal Illness Behaviour as compared to the control groups (high and low anxiety). This prominence of Abnormal Illness Behaviour was most evident in the TMJD group with low anxiety, a finding which may have further clinical implications.