The Effect Of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction On Pain, Quality Of Life And Psychological Status

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) on pain, quality of life and psychological status. A total of one hundred twenty people participated in the study, sixty with TMJD symptoms (according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders) and sixty without TMJD symptoms. The severity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and headache was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), pain threshold using an algometer, anxiety and depression levels with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the quality of life level was assessed by Short Form-36 (SF-36). Treatment of TMJD with appropriate therapies and psychological support techniques may reduce TMJD symptoms and improve patients\' quality of life and psychological status.