Berit Schie Krogstad

Negative affectivity, somatic complaints, and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders

This study examined the relationship between trait anxiety, subjective somatic symptoms, and pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a combined cross-sectional and prospective study. Compared with the initial measurements, a significant reduction in anxiety and pain was observed in the follow-up phase (two years after evaluation and therapy). No change in general somatic complaints was found. In both the initial phase and the follow-up phase, a consistent relationship between anxiety, somatic complaints, and TMD-related pain was demonstrated. The results are in agreement with a conceptualization of negative affectivity (e.g., anxiety, distress, tension) as a general dimension of somatopsychic distress. The best predictors of later TMD pain were general somatic complaints, followed by initial pain, and trait anxiety. Significant moderate correlations between anxiety, somatic complaints, and response to muscle palpation (feelings of tenderness) were also found. It is concluded that studies of TMD should incorporate measures of negative affectivity and general somatic complaints because these factors are important predictors of TMD pain, response to treatment, and chronicity.

Signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders in two groups of 19-year-old individuals, one treated orthodontically and the other not

Fifty-one individuals (28 girls and 23 boys) who had received orthodontic treatment were compared as to signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders with 47 individuals (19 girls and 28 boys) without such treatment. All were 19 years old. An average of 5 years had elapsed since the termination of the treatment. The examinations enabled calculations of the anamnestic, the clinical dysfunction, and the occlusal indices of Helkimo. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups except with regard to the anamnestic index. Subjects who had not received orthodontic treatment reported most symptoms, but none were severe. In conclusion, there were no substantial differences as to signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders in these two groups of individuals.

Differences in functional variables, fillings, and tooth wear in two groups of 19-year-old individuals

Fifty-one individuals (28 girls and 23 boys) who had received orthodontic treatment were compared with 47 subjects (19 girls and 28 boys) without such treatment as to maximal mandibular mobility, chewing muscle tenderness, morphologic occlusion, occlusal/incisal state, and degree of tooth wear. All were 19 years old. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups except for the number of teeth present and maximal mouth opening, which were both smallest in those who had received treatment. The first finding is evident, extraction of premolars being an accepted mode of orthodontic treatment. The reduced mouth opening capacity was related to an increased number of individuals with four or more palpably tender muscle sites in that group of individuals.

Personality Traits and Subjective Health Complaints in Female TMD Patients and Healthy Controls

Background: Personality traits and general health complaints may influence the course of and treatment of chronic pain. However, only few studies compare more than one or two personality characteristics in chronic pain patients and healthy controls. This study compares the comprehensive non-pathological personality structure of female patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and pain-free controls. Moreover, this study controls for the influence of Neu- roticism, self-presentation bias, and acute pain sensitivity on the subjective report of general health complaints. Methods: Twenty-five TMD patients were compared to 25 matched controls on personality traits (NEO Personality Inven- tory-Revised; NEO-PI-R), self-presentation bias (Social Desirability Scale; SDS), psychological distress (Symptom Checklist 90-Revised; SCL-90-R), and general somatic complaints. Experimental pain sensitivity was assessed by electro- cutaneous and pressure pain stimulation. Results: Compared to the controls, Extraversion and Openness were lower in the TMD group, and the TMD patients ex- hibited higher levels of psychological and musculoskeletal complaints also when Neuroticism, self-presentation bias, and acute pain sensitivity were held constant. Conclusions: Low levels of Extraversion and Openness may dispose TMD patients to isolation and negative thought pat- terns. The elevated levels of psychological distress and general musculoskeletal pain in the TMD group add to previous reports of TMD as a complex condition also involving structures and processes outside of the orofacial region.