The effects of a cognitive-behavioral treatment program on temporo-mandibular pain and dysfunction syndrome

Sixty-one patients clearly diagnosed as suffering from Temporo-Mandibular Pain and Dysfunction Syndrome (TMPDS) were randomly assigned to one of three groups, 1) hypnosis and cognitive coping skills, 2) relaxation and cognitive coping skills, or 3) a no-treatment control group. All patients were evaluated with a standard hypnotic susceptibility scale before treatment. The two treatment groups received four weekly sessions of their respective treatments. Patients in the hypnosis and relaxation groups reported equivalent decrements in pain, abnormal sounds in the temporomandibular joint, and limitations of jaw mobility. Hypnotic susceptibility was significantly correlated with reductions in reported pain for the treatment groups. Patients' age and the duration of pain before treatment were not related to treatment outcome. Patients who dropped out of treatment had fewer limitations in jaw movement but did not differ in any other variable from patients who remained in treatment. These findings are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that Temporo-Mandibular Pain and Dysfunction Syndrome is stress-related muscular pain and dysfunction.