The level of anxiety depending on existing bruxist behaviour between temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) patients and asymptomatic volunteers was compared.

TMJD in 40 patients (mean age 35.5, 76% women) was diagnosed using RDC/TMD Axis I and was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The control group consisted of 25 asymptomatic volunteers (mean age 23.4, 72% women). Bruxism was diagnosed based on case history and clinical findings. The anxiety was confirmed by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

A higher level of anxiety was determined for all examined patients (the mean score in STAI 1=38.43, STAI 2=46.10). There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) with respect to the control group (STAI 1=34.25, STAI 2=39.00). Including only patients with determined anxiety depending on age and gender resulted in 62.5% of patients with anxiety according to the STAI 1=42.84, and 72.5% of patients with anxiety according to the STAI 2=44.20. Only 16% subjects from the control group and 40% patients had bruxism. There was a statistically significant difference in scores of both STAI tests in patients with bruxist behaviour (p<0.001). Statistically significant differences between patients with lower (1-4) and higher (5-10) degree of pain were rated on a visual-analogue scale for State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 2 (p=0.012).

This study has confirmed the connection between anxiety and bruxism as one of the central etiological factors. However, patients with TMJD experience a higher level of anxiety. Patients with estimated VAS pain score ≥5 show significantly more anxiety on STAI 2 subscale.