Mood disorders in subjects with bruxing behavior

Objective An investigation was conducted on 105 subjects to assess the existence of an association between mood psychopathology and bruxism. Methods Validated clinical criteria were used to diagnose bruxism and a self-report validated questionnaire (MOODS-SR) was filled out by each patient for an evaluation of depression and mania symptoms of mood spectrum. Results Prevalence of mood psychopathology, as identified by MOODS-SR score≥60, was significantly higher in bruxers (11/38, 28.9% vs. 6/67, 8.9%; P=0.007). Significant differences between bruxers and non-bruxers also emerged in total MOODS-SR (P=0.001) scores and in total scores of domains evaluating manic (P=0.001) and depressive symptoms (P=0.007). Conclusions Support to the existence of an association between bruxism and mood disorders has been provided. Further studies are strongly needed to clarify mechanisms underlying the described association.