The Prevalence of Symptoms and Signs of Temporomandibular Dysfunctions in Patients with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunctions (TMD) symptoms/ signs in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) group and non-PTSD matched control and to determine differences in values of Helkimo anamnestic dysfunction index (Ai) and Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (Di) between healthy and PTSD patients. Material and methods: The first group of subjects included 38 patients of both sexes aged 30 to 60 diagnosed with PTSD by their treating psychiatrists. The control group included 32 patients of both sexes, aged 30 to 60. All patients had their case histories taken in compliance with the Helkimo anamnestic dysfunction index and a corresponding clinical examination was performed in compliance with the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index. Results: Differences were established in relation to following symptoms of TMD: sound in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area, fatigue in the jaw area, rigidity of the jaw and in signs of TMD: decreased movement of mandible, decreased TMJ function and muscle pain. Calculation of the chi-square test for values of the Helkimo anamnestic and Helkimo clinical dysfunction index presented statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclussion: The results of the study confirmed that PTSD affects the appearance of symptoms and signs of TMD. Therefore, it is necessary to bear it in mind in the treatment of patients suffering from PTSD as well as in patients suffering from TMD.