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Psycho-education programme for temporomandibular disorders: a pilot study

Waseem Jerjes1,2,3 email, Geir Madland4,5 email, Charlotte Feinmann1,4,5 email, Mohammed El Maaytah1,2 email, Mahesh Kumar1,2 email, Colin Hopper1,2,3 email, Tahwinder Upile1,2 email and Stanton Newman5 email

Unit of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Maxillofacial, Diagnostic, Medical and Surgical Sciences, Eastman Dental Institute & University College London, London, UK

Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery/Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK

National Medical Laser Centre, Department of Surgery, Royal Free & University College Medical School, London, UK

Unit of Oral Medicine & Special Needs Dentistry, Oral Medicine and Special Needs Dentistry, Division of Maxillofacial, Diagnostic, Medical and Surgical Sciences, Eastman Dental Institute, London, UK

Centre for Behavioural and Social Sciences in Medicine, Royal Free & University College Medical School, London, UK

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Negative Results in BioMedicine 2007, 6:4doi:10.1186/1477-5751-6-4

Published: 23 March 2007

Abstract

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are by far the most predominant condition affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), however many patients have mild self-limiting symptoms and should not be referred for specialist care.

The aim of this pilot study was to develop a simple, cost-effective management programme for TMDs using CD-ROM. 41 patients (age 18–70) participated in this study, patients were divided into three groups: the 1st group were involved in an attention placebo CD-ROM (contain anatomical information about the temporomandibular system), the 2nd group received information on CD-ROM designed to increase their control and self efficacy, while the 3rd group received the same programme of the 2nd group added to it an introduction to self-relaxing techniques followed by audio tape of progressive muscle relaxation exercises. Each of the groups was asked to complete a number of questionnaires on the day of initial consultation and six weeks afterwards.

Results

The two experimental groups (2nd & 3rd) were equally effective in reducing pain, disability and distress, and both were more effective than the attention placebo group (1st), however the experimental groups appeared to have improved at follow-up relative to the placebo-group in terms of disability, pain and depressed mood.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of the design. A full, randomized, controlled trial is required to confirm the efficacy of the interventions developed here.


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