The Liaison Psychiatry Perspective on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Abstract

This article aimed to explain temporomandibular joint dysfunctions from the liaison psychiatric point of view and clarify the psychological factors in the etiology of temporomandibular joint disorders (TJD). In addition, psychiatric treatment principles are discussed, as well as etiological factors and psychiatric disorders in the light of the international and national studies. Anxiety, depression and somatization are frequent in TJD patients. As all psychosomatic disorders, TJD should be treated from a holistic perspective. It is important to focus on the individual rather than the disease in the treatment of these patients. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2010;56 Suppl 1:49-52.