[Stress, coping and craniomandibular disorders - a longitudinal study].

OBJECTIVES

Stress is widely accepted as an etiologic factor of craniomandibular disorders (CMD). There is, however, a lack of studies evaluating the significance of interindividual differences of stress and coping for the development of CMD.

METHODS

99 volunteers (33 male, 66 female) were observed over a period of 24 months. The clinical examination at the beginning and end of the observation time were carried out according to the protocol of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (Dworkin 1992). Data concerning stress and general body complaints were evaluated twice by questionnaires, and data on coping methods were collected at the beginning of the study.

RESULTS

Stress, coping methods and general body complaints correlate with clinical functional parameters. Stress and body complaints proved to be significant predictors via linear regression analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Stress and general somatic complaints are predictors of the development of craniomandibular disorders.