Parafunctions, signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The results of the SOPKARD-Junior study

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of parafunctions and signs and symptoms of TMD in a population group of children with and without ADHD. Material and methods. The study included all 5th grade children of all public primary schools in Sopot (untreated, unguided children). The reporting rate was 91%. At the first stage of the psychological-psychiatric study both parents and children filled in the CBCL and YSR questionnaires. At the next stage, in the group of children selected during the screening, a qualified child psychiatrist conducted a semi-structured diagnostic interview K-SADS-PL and diagnosed ADHD. Parafunctions, signs and symptoms of TMD were assessed by conducting a direct interview with a child and a clinical examination by a dentist. Results. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between children with ADHD and without ADHD associated with parafunctions such as chewing gum (76.47% vs. 46.07%), nail biting (70.59% vs. 40.45%) and bruxism (52.54% vs. 26.22%), the number of signs and symptoms of TMD (1 sign or symptom 0.0% vs. 32.21%; 4 7 signs or symptoms 17.65% vs. 3.75%). Conclusions. In children with ADHD, symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders and parafunctions were significantly more frequent. These studies suggest that children with ADHD constitute a group of increased risk for TMD in the future. Interdisciplinary treatment of an ADHD patient by a psychiatrist and a dentist is necessary.