Multidimensional approach to the differences between muscular and articular temporomandibular patients:: Coping, distress, and pain characteristics

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.