Psychologic Evaluation
Many patients with temporomandibular pain and ‘dysfunction of long-standing duration develop manifestations of chronic pain syndrome behavior. This complex may include gross exaggeration of symptoms and clinical depression.”. To evaluate possible behavioral changes associated with pain and dysfunction, the history should include questions regarding functional limitation that results from the patient’s symptoms. If the functional – limitation appears to be excessive when compared with the patient’s clinical signs or the patient appears to be clinically depressed, further psychologic evaluation may be warranted.
