Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) treated with a brief course of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to standard care improves long-term outcomes, according to a new study published in journal Pain. A group of 101 patients who had pain in TMJ for at least 3 months were included in this study. Standard treatment included splinting, soft diet and an anti-inflammatory drug and was given to all patients. Fifty two patients also received six weekly sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Both those who received standard therapy alone and those who also received CBT improved, however addition of CBT provided additional pain relief, particularly in those people who were open to it and prepared to use it.
