Stress, Stressverarbeitung und kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktionen

Background. Stress is an etiologic factor of pain-relevant craniomandibular disorders (CMD). Interindividual differences in coping with stress and their relation to CMD have rarely been examined. Patients and methods. A total of 72 volunteers (20 men, 52 women) were examined according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Stress parameters and coping skills were assessed by questionnaires. Results. Stress and one coping factor are correlated with CMD indices. Linear regression analysis found the Life Event Score and cognitive coping by changing appraisals to significantly predict CMD. Conclusion. Stress and coping skills are independent predictors of CMD. © 2006 Springer Medizin Verlag.