Relations between TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome (PDS) and some psychologic and biographic variables

Abstract
A total of 211 persons with a complete natural dentition were examined for signs and symptoms of the TMJ [temperomandibular joint] pain dysfunction syndrome. They also answered the questions of the Dutch version of the Hopkins Symptoms Check List (HSCL). Schooling, age and sex were also registered. Signs and symptoms of the TMJ PDS was highly correlated to the psychologic and somatic scales of the HSCL with 1 exception: maximal mouth opening. The total palpation score was a reliable, sensitive, easy and fast predictor for the severity of the TMJ PDS.