A multiprofessional study of patients with myofascial pain-dysfunction syndrome. II

One hundred and thirteen female patients with myofascial pain-dysfunction (MPD) syndrome were examined by a dentist and a psychiatrist. One hundred and eight of them were also examined by physiotherapists. Particular emphasis was given by the dentist to the types and duration of the chief complaints, the perceived severity of the MPD-symptoms and to the kinds of statements used in the anamnestic reports. Additionally the patients' perceived cause/origin of their symptoms, expectations regarding treatment, reactions to the different types of examination procedures and their reports of perceived daily life stress factors were taken into account. The patients were categorized according to the findings, and the results were compared to the psychiatrist's findings. Some basic clinical patterns were revealed. The results indicate that reports of oral symptoms may have symbolic value. It is concluded that a carefully performed clinical interview may provide the dentist valuable information useful in diagnosis and the choice of treatment.