Negative affectivity, somatic complaints, and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders

This study examined the relationship between trait anxiety, subjective somatic symptoms, and pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a combined cross-sectional and prospective study. Compared with the initial measurements, a significant reduction in anxiety and pain was observed in the follow-up phase (two years after evaluation and therapy). No change in general somatic complaints was found. In both the initial phase and the follow-up phase, a consistent relationship between anxiety, somatic complaints, and TMD-related pain was demonstrated. The results are in agreement with a conceptualization of negative affectivity (e.g., anxiety, distress, tension) as a general dimension of somatopsychic distress. The best predictors of later TMD pain were general somatic complaints, followed by initial pain, and trait anxiety. Significant moderate correlations between anxiety, somatic complaints, and response to muscle palpation (feelings of tenderness) were also found. It is concluded that studies of TMD should incorporate measures of negative affectivity and general somatic complaints because these factors are important predictors of TMD pain, response to treatment, and chronicity.