The Effectiveness of Anxiety and Stress Medication in Reducing Temporomandibular Joint Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

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Published: Apr 4, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47191/ijpbms/v6-i4-02
Keywords:
TMD, TMJ pain, anxiety, stress, clinical trial, pharmacological therapy

Main Article Content

Dr. Hussain Sadiq Hussain
BDS, MSc. Head, Department of Radiology Unit, Al-Maghrib Specialized Dental Health Center, Baghdad Health Directorate – Al-Rusafa, Ministry of Health, Iraq.
Dr. Ahmed Jawdat Rashad
BDS, MSc in Conservative Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Al-Maghrib Specialized Dental Health Center, Baghdad Health Directorate – Al-Rusafa, Ministry of Health, Iraq.
Dr. Issam Kamal Taha
M.B.CH.B,,F.I.C.M.S. Specialist in Psychiatry, Al-Nu’man General Hospital, Baghdad Health Directorate – Al-Rusafa,Ministry of Health, Iraq.

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are multifactorial conditions often associated with psychological factors such as anxiety and stress. Pharmacological management targeting these factors may improve pain outcomes.


Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of anxiety and stress medication (diazepam 5mg) in reducing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.


Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with TMD. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: control (conventional therapy) and intervention (anti-anxiety/stress medication diazepam 5 mg + conventional therapy). Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.


Results: The intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in TMJ pain compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Mean VAS scores decreased from 7.2 ± 1.1 to 2.8 ± 0.9 in the intervention group, while the control group showed a reduction from 7.0 ± 1.0 to 4.9 ± 1.2.


Conclusion: Diazepam significantly improves pain outcomes in TMD patients when used as adjunctive therapy, likely due to its anxiolytic and muscle relaxant effect

Article Details

How to Cite
Sadiq Hussain, D. H. ., Jawdat Rashad, D. A., & Kamal Taha, D. I. . (2026). The Effectiveness of Anxiety and Stress Medication in Reducing Temporomandibular Joint Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Bio Medical Science, 6(04), 926–931. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijpbms/v6-i4-02
Issue
Vol. 6 No. 04 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 04 April 2026
Section
Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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