Psycho-emotional Factors and Their Role in Craniomandibular Disorders

Introduction: The present study emphasizes the importance of psycho-emotional factors as predisposing factors in craniomandibular disorders. The actual etiology of craniomandibular disorders remains relatively obscure, factors that contribute to the development of dysfunction in its various stages are not well-defined. Their systematization into predisposing etiological factors, initiators and perpetuates actually supports the pluricausal and often idiopathic character of this condition.

Material and method: The study included an experimental group of 30 subjects diagnosed with major depressive episode, women aged 41 to 71 and 30 subjects, women of the same age range who did not qualify for this diagnosis, based on DSM V criteria and the results obtained in the BDI-2 questionnaire (Beck Depression Inventory - 2). The two groups were given the Craniomandibular Dysfunction Screening Questionnaire.

Results: Between the two lots there is a statistically significant difference in the over all score of the scale, which determines the tendency or predisposition for the development of the craniomandibular dysfunction. To analyze the relationship between the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis and the level of somatic pain experienced, we used the calculation of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the values obtained by subjects at BDI-II and the Somatic Pain Scale. The obtained results indicated the existence of a statistically significant positive correlation. The calculation of the Pearson correlation coefficient between the values obtained by subjects at BDI-II and the Psychoemotional Suffering Scale indicates the existence of a statistically significant positive correlation.

Conclusion: By analyzing comparatively two batches (one clinical and one nonclinical) in terms of risk of this disorder, the results indicated that a psychiatric diagnosis - in this case the major depressive episode may be a predisposing factor for this disorder. This risk did not occur in the nonclinical group.