Role of Mental State in Temporomandibular Disorders: A Review of the Literature

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders concerning temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and the surrounding structures. The etiology is multifactorial, and comprises biological factors (e.g., internal derangements in TMJ), psychological factors (e.g., depression, anxiety and stress) and social factors (e.g., a learned response to pain). In accordance with the biopsychosocial model of health and illness, psychological factors are recognized as highly significant in the development of TMD. The aim of this review was to present the role of chosen mental disorders (depression, anxiety) in TMD and their significance for dental practitioners in the light of current knowledge. The PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. Finally, 22 studies were included in this review. The gathered literature shows convincing evidence that mental derangements play a significant role in TMD by influencing the onset of the disorder, the course of the condition and the patient's response to treatment. However, the precise role of each mental disorder still requires further clarification.