Psychological Features Associated With Awake Bruxism in Painful TMD: The Role of Anxiety

Awake bruxism (AB) is closely linked to psychological factors and commonly co-occurs with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

To evaluate the role of anxiety comparing the frequency of AB behaviours, as well as levels of perceived stress, pain catastrophizing and depressive symptoms among patients with painful TMD, categorised by clinical anxiety levels.

A total of 72 patients diagnosed with painful TMD were enrolled and classified into two groups based on T-scores derived from the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale [GAD-7]: elevated symptoms of anxiety group (T ≥ 61): 30 and normative anxiety (T ≤ 60): 42. T-score calculations were based on a previously studied pain-free control group. AB behaviours were recorded through Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), and participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], the Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS] and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9], alongside lifestyle assessment. Between-group comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between anxiety and clinical, behavioural and psychosocial outcomes.

Patients with elevated symptoms of anxiety exhibited higher total AB frequency (89%; 72.12%; p < 0.002), particularly increased tooth clenching (26.90%; 13.48%; p < 0.016). They also reported significantly higher clinical pain intensity (p < 0.005), as well as elevated perceived stress (p < 0.001), higher pain catastrophizing (p < 0.032), especially helplessness (p < 0.050) and rumination (p < 0.47) and more severe depressive symptoms (p < 0.002). No significant differences were seen between groups in physical activity, social engagement, alcohol drinking or smoking.

These findings underscore that TMD patients with elevated clinical symptoms of anxiety exhibit significantly higher frequencies of AB, specifically tooth clenching, psychological distress and pain intensity.