Age-related associations between psychological characteristics and pain intensity among Japanese patients with temporomandibular disorder

J Oral Sci. 2014 Sep;56(3):221-5. doi: 10.2334/josnusd.56.221.

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between pain intensity and psychosocial characteristics in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Participants with painful TMD, according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD), were recruited from our clinic and classified into six age groups: 15 to 24, 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, 55 to 64, and 65 to 85 years (Groups A through F, respectively). Self-reported present pain intensity and worst pain intensity during the past 6 months were ascertained using a numeric rating scale (0 to 10). Depression and somatization scores were evaluated using the RDC/TMD axis II questionnaire. Among women, worst pain intensity was significantly lower in Groups E and F than in Groups B and C (P < 0.05). In Groups A, C, and D, depression scores were significantly higher in women than in men (P < 0.05). Among women, depression score was significantly lower in Group F than in Groups A through C (P < 0.05). In Groups A through D, somatization scores were significantly higher for women than for men (P < 0.05). Depression score and TMD symptom severity appear to decrease with age in women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / psychology*
  • Young Adult