Temporomandibular disorder and somatic symptoms: Relations to 'fear of missing out' and other negative emotional states

• Published in: Acta odontologica Scandinavica Vol. 83; no. 1; pp. 340 - 347
• Main Authors: Ujin Yap, Adrian, Kurniawan, Florencia, Pragustine, Yenny, Marpaung, Carolina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sweden MJS Publishing on behalf of Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Society 28-05-2024; Medical Journals Sweden
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety; Depression; Emotions; Fear - psychology; Female; Humans; Male; Medically Unexplained Symptoms; Somatization; Somatoform Disorders - psychology; Stress; Surveys and Questionnaires; Temporomandibular joint disorders; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - physiopathology; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - psychology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0001-6357; 1502-3850; 1502-3850
• DOI: 10.2340/aos.v83.40776

The association between the 'fear of missing out (FOMO)' and physical symptoms has not been widely explored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FOMO and other negative emotions with Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and somatic symptoms in young adults. The correlations between the various physical and emotional variables were also established.
TMD and somatic symptoms were appraised with the Short-form Fonseca Anamnestic Index, quintessential five TMD symptoms of the Diagnostic Criteria (DC)/TMD, and Patient Health Questionnaire-15. FOMO and other negative emotional states were assessed with the FOMO Scale and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Data were evaluated using non-parametric tests/correlation and regression analysis (α = 0.05).
While only negative affectivity (total DASS), anxiety, and stress differed significantly between those without and with TMDs, significant variances in FOMO and all DASS-21 constructs were discerned between individuals without and with somatization.  Conclusions: Individuals with orofacial pain and more severe somatic symptoms have higher levels of negative emotions including FOMO. While somatization increased the prospect of TMDs, being female, presence of TMDs, and negative affectivity were risk factors for somatization in young adults.
Asian young adults appear to be disposed to somatization, and TMDs may be a form of functional somatic syndromes. Recognition of somatic symptoms and emotional distress, including FOMO, is essential for person-centric TMD care.