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Analysis of gender effects on pain perception and symptom presentation in temporomandibular pain
Francis M Bush1, Stephen W Harkins, Walter G Harrington
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA Department of Gerontology and Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA Department of Anesthesiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 USA.
Abstract:
Based on clinical populations, chronic orofacial pain of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occurs more frequently (range: 2:1 to 9:1) in women than men. The reasons for this difference are not clear. The present study evaluated symptom presentation, sensitivity to pain, personality, and illness behavior in 2 samples of patients suffering with orofacial pain. Also, pain responses were studied in pain-free volunteers, controlling for experimenter-gender effects. The results showed few gender differences based on ratings of chronic or experimental pain, pain-related illness behavior, and personality. The higher ratio of women versus men seeking TMD care is consistent with greater health awareness or interest in symptoms by women than by men.