Psychoemotional Background of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and Possible Drug Therapy

The aim of this paper was to present the etiological factors responsible for temporomandibular joint dysfunction associated with psychoemotional disorders and possible drug therapy. Etiology of this disorder is multifactorial. The term “stress” was explained, together with its influence on the human body and its long-term effects. We emphasized the significance of factors that affect individual reaction to stress and patients’ personality features favoring incorrect behavioral pattern. We also presented the mechanism of adverse effect of stress on temporomandibular muscles and joints via the limbic system and gamma loop as well as the role of temporomandibular reflexive regulation mechanisms. We explained the differences in reactivity between skeletal and masticatory muscles to stress-inducing factors resulting from different embryonic origin, morphology, and biochemical reactions during muscle contraction and presented drug therapy.