Studies on the psychodynamics of Chronic Orofacial Pain Disorder

Abstract

Studies on the psychodynamics of Chronic Orofacial Pain Disorder Objectives: Psychodynamic factors play an important role in its emergence and development of Chronic Orofacial Pain Disorder (COP), which is also known as Chronic Primary Orofacial Pain. This factors form the basis for differentiated psychotherapy. Methods: Seven female and two male patients with COP who had visited the Dental School, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the dental surgery of a practising dentist over the year were included in the study. Following a detailed dental examination, a psychodynamic interview was videotaped, reconstructing the connections between the life history and the development of the illness. Psychosomatic data were assessed by 3 psychotherapists based on a consensus model with regard to symptom trigger mechanisms such as conflicts and pressure, the development of symptoms, and the personality structure. Pathogenetically, we differentiated among conversion, somatization and projection. Results: The patients had a mean age of 57 years (range: 44-67) and an average illness duration of three (1-5) years. The average age where the illness had manifested was 54 (43-64). All patients showed clear psychodynamic factors in the development and course of the illness. The symptoms developed mainly during transitional situations during the life history, predominately in midlife. During this phase, dental treatment undertaken for whatever reason could trigger the chronic symptoms, which could then be further exacerbated by further dental interventions. The mode of symptom development by equal number of patients related to a somatoform disorder, such as a somatization of affect, a conversion with conflict symbolism and a projective-hypochondriac disorder. In the remaining patients, COP was an accompanying symptom of depressive disorder or the consequence of a posttraumatic stress disorder with self-mutilating tendencies. Conclusion: The consideration of psychosomatic connections and pathogenetic differentiation is helpful for the understanding and management of COP. This diagnostic differentiation could serve as a basis for prognosis and for specific therapeutic indications. Despite numerous general researches about chronic pain syndromes, there is a lack of intervention studies which take into account the specific conditions of COP on a larger sample.