Physical, psychiatric and social characteristics of the temporomandibular disorder pain dysfunction syndrome: the relationship of mental disorders to presentation.

Abstract

To investigate the physical and psychosocial characteristics and to identify the prevalence of mental disorders in pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS). New referrals to temporomandibular disorder clinics at Manchester Dental Hospital and diagnosed with PDS. Patients were assessed with a range of socio-demographic, dental and psychosocial measures including a psychiatric interview. Patients with PDS and a mental disorder were compared with those without a mental disorder. 97 patients were included; 32 (33%) had a mental disorder. There were no significant differences between those with and those without a mental disorder on any of the objective dental measures. Those with a mental disorder complained of more pain associated with PDS. They reported more anxiety and depression and also more physical symptoms unrelated to the PDS for which they had sought help and received more treatments. Psychosocial factors contribute to the presentation and possibly causation of PDS in the third of patients seen in a hospital setting who have a mental disorder. This factors should be considered when managing patients with PDS.