The role of psychosocial factors in temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

The temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) comprise a constellation of symptoms affecting the joints and muscles involved in jaw movement. Patients complain of orofacial pain, limited jaw opening, and clicking or popping sounds. Although pain is generally the defining characteristic of TMD, patients often report marked degrees of stress and interference in daily life. This article reviews recent studies on epidemiology, sex differences, pediatric TMD, classification systems, comparisons to other chronic pain disorders of uncertain etiology, psychological assessment, depression, central modulation and hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, stress, and the management of TMD by conservative physical interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy. Both the assessment and the management of TMD requires a multidisciplinary perspective with strong emphasis on psychosocial variables.