Psychoeducation training in stress management strategies as adjunct therapy in temporomandibular joint dysfunction - Preliminary study

Abstract

The current state of knowledge on psychological stress management among patients suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction as well as lack of educational projects aimed at this patient group in the available literature became an inspiration to develop a psychoeducational programme. The aim of the programme was to provide basic information on the contribution of stressors in the aetiology of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and educate on methods of coping with stress most commonly used in psychology. The purpose of this study was to compile the programme and to validate its usefulness. Study population was a group of 25 patients aged 19-48. The usefulness of psychoeducation training was assessed via a questionnaire at baseline (survey 1) and a month after the psychoeducation programme (survey 2). Preliminary results suggest that the programme improves the emotional state of patients receiving prosthetic treatment for temporomandibular disorders.