Article review

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of subjective symptoms of temporomandibular pain (related to temporomandibular disorders [TMD]) and dysfunction and their association with psychosomatic (PS) symptoms in a longitudinal follow-up study of Finnish adolescents and young adults over an 8-year period. Method: The study comprised 128 subjects (60 men, 68 women) who were assessed at the ages of 15, 18, and 23 years for type and frequency of TMD and PS symptoms. The subjects were asked to complete standardized questionnaires. The data in the study were based on subjective reports of perceived symptoms, not on actual diagnostic disorders. Results: Of the 128 subjects, the prevalence of reported TMD symptoms ranged from 6% to 12% for pain, from 12% to 28% for dysfunctional symptoms, and from 4% to 7% for a combination of 2 types of symptoms. The prevalence of PS symptoms, constantly present in many patients who reported them, ranged from 7% to 11%. There was a significant correlation between symptoms and TMD pain at the age of 18, but not at the age of 23. The study found the subjective reports of TMD pain symptoms and PS complaints to be correlated, although the associations were weak. No similar association was found between either dysfunctional symptoms or lack of TMD symptoms and PS complaints. Conclusions: Although the findings support an association between pain symptoms and psychological factors, the association was weak. No conclusion can be made, however, about the role of PS symptoms in predisposing patients to initiating or maintaining TMD or the prospective treatment need.