“Evaluation of frequency of anxiety and depression among patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder.”

Abstract

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) has been considered as one of the commonest disorder in Pakistan. In this disorder, the patient complains of pain in Temporomandibular joint and associated anatomical muscles. This research study has been performed to evaluate the frequency of Anxiety and Depression in patients with Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder (CTMD). Objectives: The objective of this research study is to evaluate the frequency of Anxiety and Depression among patients with Chronic Temporomandibular joint Disorder. Study Design: A Cross-sectional Descriptive research study. Setting: This research study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral and Health sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences and Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: This research study was conducted for a respective period of 1 year from 1^st March 2018 to 1^st March 2019. Materials and Methods: A total of 213 patients having persisting Temporomandibular joint pain for more than 6 months were included in this study. The diagnosis of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) was established if the patient demonstrated pain/discomfort in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and muscles of mastication and masticatory dysfunction for a period, exceeding 6 months. After demographic questions, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered to each patient and the intensity and severity of Anxiety and Depression were recorded and documented by the Operator. Results: The percentage of Anxiety and Depression among patients with Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) was 31.46% (67/213) and 36.15% (77/213). Conclusion: In our respective study, the Frequency of psychological disorders like Anxiety and Depression were significantly high. Our results showed that an adequate and profound diagnosis and treatment planning is very necessary for all patients suffering from Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder (CTMD) so that both physical and psychological factors of patients with Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder (CTMD) should be taken into primary foremost consideration prior to the decision pertaining to its management respectively.