Depression and anxiety levels in a group of elderly with temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess stress and anxiety in a sample of elderly patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders who did not have previously diagnosed emotional disturbances. It is well known that patients presenting with temporomandibular joint disorders are more commonly affected by anxiety and depression. However, there is a lack of data regarding the prevalence of undiagnosed anxiety and emotional stress disorders among elderly patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. Materials and Method: Clinical examination was performed using Research Diagnostic Criteria (Axis I). Patients with previously diagnosed and managed psychiatric and psychological disorders were excluded. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were also used to confirm the diagnosis. Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory forms were obtained to assess stress and anxiety levels. Results: A total of 125 patients (103 [82.4%] women and 22 [17.6%] men) aged 60 to 87 (71.89 ± 10.39) years were included. The highest depression and anxiety scores were found among patients suffering from bruxism, followed by those with disc displacement without reduction and myofascial pain syndrome. All the patients showed significantly elevated depression levels. Conclusion: The emotional health status of elderly patients with intraand extra-articular temporomandibular joint disorders should be attentively assessed.