The TMPDS personality: fact or fiction? An overview

Abstract

It is widely accepted that abnormal personality traits and psychological stress are important factors in the etiology and maintenance of the temporomandibular pain and dysfunction syndrome (TMPDS). However, this assumption is based largely on clinical lore rather than research evidence. Continued belief in the stress theory has onerous implications. Such conclusions will lead not only to problems of patient care, but may also forge an unstable foundation for future research. Three theories have been advanced that support a relationship between personality and TMPDS. They are the psychosomatic, coping and psychophysiological theories. But evidence in support of all three theories is currently lacking. It has not been shown that TMPDS cases are characterized by a specific premorbid personality or an exaggerated vulnerability to psychological stress.