A simplified psychologic questionnaire as a treatment planning aid for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

Psychologic factors are often believed to have a significant role in the etiology and maintenance of temporomandibular joint disorders. Anxiety and depression have received the greatest focus. Approximately 132 patients with temporomandibular joint disorders completed seven self-administered depression questionnaires and four anxiety questionnaires. Correlation among all 11 questionnaires was significant. Factor analysis was interpreted as indicating the 11 questionnaires were measuring a single factor. For preliminary screening diagnosis, two questions were suggested to be a good approximation of the total battery of questionnaires.