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Emotional stress and craniomandibular dysfunction in children
A P Vanderas1, M Menenakou, L Papagiannoulis
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Athens, Greece.
Cranio : the Journal of Craniomandibular Practice
|February 15, 2002
Summary
Emotionally stressful states in children aged six to eight years are linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tenderness. Epinephrine levels in urine indicate this association, suggesting stress impacts TMJ health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Dental Research
Background:
- Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) affects children, potentially influenced by stress.
- Urinary catecholamines are biomarkers for stress responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between CMD symptoms and emotionally stressful states in children.
- To determine if urinary catecholamine levels correlate with CMD signs and symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination and interviews assessed CMD signs/symptoms in 314 children (6-8 years).
- 24-hour urine samples analyzed for catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) via HPLC.
- Logistic multiple regression analysis used to evaluate associations.
Main Results:
- Epinephrine levels significantly correlated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tenderness.
- Norepinephrine and dopamine showed no significant association with CMD signs/symptoms.
- Emotionally stressful states appear to increase the likelihood of TMJ tenderness.
Conclusions:
- Emotionally stressful states may contribute to the development of TMJ tenderness in children.
- Epinephrine is a potential indicator of stress-related TMJ issues in pediatric populations.
- Further research is warranted to explore stress-management interventions for CMD.