Objective: This study analyzes the differences in psychological variables and symptomatology between temporomandibular disorder diagnosis subgroups.
Study design: The sample included 114 temporomandibular disorder patients that were evaluated in coping, distress, and temporomandibular characteristics. Diagnostic muscular (n = 58) and articular (n = 56) subgroups were compared in these variables through a MANCOVA.
Results: Muscular patients show a higher level of general distress, specifically in the anxiety and somatization subscales and a more active coping style, with a tendency of a minor use of humor and a higher number of parafunctional habits, specifically, biting nails, hangnails, and lips.
Conclusion: We discuss the differences found in order to design the targets of the psychological intervention of temporomandibular patients.