Psychological characteristics of young adults with temporomandibular disorders, somatization and combined conditions: A multidimensional evaluation

• Published in: Journal of oral rehabilitation Vol. 50; no. 12; pp. 1382 - 1392
• Main Authors: Yap, Adrian Ujin, Dewi, Ni Luh, Marpaung, Carolina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-12-2023
• Subjects: Anxiety; Coping; Mental depression; Personality; Risk factors; Temporomandibular joint; Temporomandibular joint disorders; Young adults
• ISSN: 0305-182X; 1365-2842
• DOI: 10.1111/joor.13570

Abstract
Background
Temporomandibular disorders and somatization have shown interrelation in many studies. The physical and psychological factors which contributed to the occurrence and relation of both conditions are yet to be determined.
Objectives
The personality traits, coping styles and psychological distress of young adults with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and somatic symptoms were characterized together with the determination of psychological risk factors for TMDs, somatization and combined conditions.
Methods
Participants were recruited from university‐attending young adults. TMD and somatic symptoms were appraised with the short‐form Fonseca Anamnestic Index and Patient Health Questionnaire‐15. Psychological variables were assessed with the Big Five Personality Inventory‐10, Brief‐COPE Inventory and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales‐21. Data were evaluated using chi‐squared/non‐parametric tests and logistic regression analyses (
α
 = .05).
Results
Among the 507 participants (mean age 22.2 ± 1.5 years), 46.4% reported no TMD/somatic symptoms (NS) while 7.5%, 34.5% and 11.6% had TMDs only (TS), somatization only (SS) and combined TMDs‐somatization (CS), respectively. Significant differences in conscientiousness (NS > SS), agreeableness (NS, TS > CS; NS > SS), dysfunctional coping, general distress, depression, anxiety and stress (CS ≥ SS > NS) were discerned. Multivariate analyses indicated that the odds of TS were increased by anxiety (OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.01–1.21), while the odds of SS/CS were affected by anxiety (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.06–1.25/OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.19–1.52) and problem‐focused coping (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56–0.89/OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.39–0.78).
Conclusion
Though individuals with TMDs and somatization have dissimilar psychological profiles, anxiety constantly increased their likelihood. Problem‐focused coping strategies may help alleviate psychosocial and physical stressors associated with TMDs and somatization.