Factors associated with successful outcome from behavioral therapy for chronic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain

A total of 42 chronic temporomandibular joint pain patients completed behavioral therapy for their pain. The role of clinical, sociodemographic, and psychosocial factors was examined in relation to treatment outcome (immediately following treatment and at 2-yr follow-up). Psychosocial factors were better predictors of treatment outcome than clinical and demographic factors. Patients who had the most successful outcomes (both short- and long-term) were more motivated and less depressed than other patients and were internal with respect to their health locus of control.