Association between psychological distress and temporomandibular disorders

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Created On: 09/10/2025

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are complex, multifactorial ailments marked by jaw pain, limited function, and compromised mobility, all of which can profoundly affect quality of life.

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Key take away

Anxiety, depression, and stress significantly correlate with the development and severity of temporomandibular disorders, with distinct patterns observed across age and gender subgroups.

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are complex, multifactorial ailments marked by jaw pain, limited function, and compromised mobility, all of which can profoundly affect quality of life. This systematic review quantified the relationship between mental health aspects and TMD to inform clinical practice and enhance treatment approaches.

Method

The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methodological quality of the included research was determined via the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Data extraction and analysis were carried out systematically.

Result

Out of 2392 initially identified research, 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the final assessment. The findings revealed a strong link between TMD and various psychic factors, including stress, depression, anxiety, and somatization. TMD sufferers exhibited markedly higher anxiety and depression scores as opposed to the control groups.

Stress was linked with both the onset and worsening of TMD. Subgroup analyses revealed notable patterns: depression exhibited a stronger association with TMD among males, anxiety was more prominently linked in students, while adults showed substantial ties to both depression and anxiety. Among adolescents, TMD was more closely related to somatization and obsessive-compulsive traits.

Conclusion

Psychological factors—particularly anxiety, depression, and stress—were found to be pivotal contributors to TMD's development and exacerbation. Furthermore, these associations varied across demographic groups, offering valuable insights for targeted prevention and personalized care strategies.