The relationship between pain, quality of life and psychological status in temporomandibular joint dysfunction

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between pain, quality of life and psychological status in individuals with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) (symptomatic group) and non-TMJD individuals (asymptomatic group). Participants' personal information were recorded. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), head, neck and shoulder pain were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). The pressure pain threshold was measured with an algometer, the mandibular movements with a ruler and the cervical range of motion (ROM) with a goniometer respectively. The quality of life was assessed by the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) and the psychological status by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In the symptomatic group, no relationship was found between the dominant chewing side and the TMJD side (p>0.05). The intensity of head and neck, shoulder and TMJ pain were found to be higher in individuals with TMJD and adversely affected quality of life (p<0.05). Pressure pain threshold and mandibular movements were found to be lower in the symptomatic group (p<0.05). Cervical ROM and quality of life scores were higher in the asymptomatic group, while depression and anxiety levels were found to be lower (p<0.05). There was a negative relationship between quality of life and psychological status in both groups (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the mental component score of the SF-36 scale and the duration of the complaint in the symptomatic group. In TMJD, besides the pain, the negative psychological condition also reduces the quality of life of the individuals. Individuals with TMJD should also be evaluated psychologically and treated with a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy.