Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Psychological Treatment
Psychological or emotional conflicts can be a major part of TMD and chronic pain. Your health care provider may refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist for evaluation and treatment while you are being treated for TMD. This professional can provide counseling and train you on various behavioral intervention techniques.
Behavioral intervention can help you change harmful behavior or habits that contribute to pain. Negative behavior and bad habits such as tooth clenching or nail biting can cause TMD symptoms to worsen or last longer. You may be able to control such behavior and habits once you recognize that you are doing them. A behavior modification program often is necessary for long-term control. Behavior modification programs may include:
Behavioral Intervention
Behavioral intervention can help you change harmful behavior or habits that contribute to pain. Negative behavior and bad habits such as tooth clenching or nail biting can cause TMD symptoms to worsen or last longer. You may be able to control such behavior and habits once you recognize that you are doing them. A behavior modification program often is necessary for long-term control. Behavior modification programs may include:
- Habit reversal programs
- Lifestyle counseling
- Progressive relaxation
- Autogenic training
- Hypnosis
- Biofeedback