[Psychosocial factors in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction]

In this article the possible involvement of psychosocial factors in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is discussed, both from a scientific and a clinical point of view. Compared with patients with TMD, controls thought they had personal control over their health and had a more active problem-solving coping style. Patients with a negative treatment outcome were older, reported fewer stressors and more frequently considered health to be determined by external factors than patients who were treated successfully. It was concluded that the assessment of psychosocial variables and in particular health locus of control is important for understanding both subjective treatment need and treatment outcome for TMD.