Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction as related to stress measured by the social readjustment rating scale.

The data supported both research hypotheses. Patients with TMJ pain syndrome scored higher (p = .009) than the control subjects o the SRRS. As the number of symptoms increased, there was a tendency for scores on the SRRS to increase for all subjects (r = 0.58, p less than or equal to .05). The SRRS may be useful in evaluation and treatment planning of patients with these symptoms. Further research utilizing a larger sample size is necessary to determine the consistency of rating scores of patients versus nonpatients. Continued research is needed involving TMJ dysfunction to improve the multidisciplinary approach to and treatment of patients with problems in this area.