Relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and temporomandibular disorders in adults: a questionnaire-based report

OBJECTIVE

The symptoms of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) persist in the adult years of life in most cases. They appear in adults with accompanying psychosocial problems. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to signs and symptoms associated with pain of non-dental origin in the oro-facial region, functional and structural disruptions of the masticatory system, especially the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and masticatory muscles. The aim of the study was to show the relationship between the presence of ADHD symptoms in adulthood, in relation to the intensity of pain experienced in the face and problems connected to the TMD symptomatology, as well as sleep disorders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 252 individuals aged 18-55 years of both sexes, generally healthy. Each participant was asked to fill in several questionnaires, namely: ASRS (the World Health Organization ADHD Adult Self-Report Scale), DIVA (18 questions, 9 for concentration and attention disorders with an option in adulthood and childhood, 9 for hyperactivity and impulsivity with an option in adulthood and childhood), Athens Insomnia Scale, Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), DC/TMD classification (Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders - biaxial diagnostic criteria based on the biopsychosocial model).

RESULTS

Results show that when ADHD symptoms observed in childhood persist, personality disorders, social relations disorders and affective disorders are found more often in adults than motor hyperactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a positive association between ADHD and the occurrence of symptoms of TMD in adults. This study confirmed this picture, extending it to include pain and sleep disorders.

Medical students’ perceptions of people with disabilities

Introduction: Little is known about associations of attitudes of medical students towards people with disabilities and their life satisfaction and empathy. Purpose: To assess the social perception of people with disabilities by medical students. Materials and methods: The present study interviewed 451 medical students of the Medical University of Białystok regarding their perceptions of people with disabilities, especially in light of their own satisfaction with life and empathy. We used the following questionnaires: the original questionnaire about attitudes towards people with disabilities, The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Empathy Understanding Questionnaire (KRE). Results: Attitudes towards people with disabilities people were generally positive. Almost 40% of respondents expressed a willingness to help for people with disabilities. In general, disabled people do not have full access to all fields of social (63.4%) and professional (63.2%) life. At the same time, disabled people tend to marry (84.9%), have children (82.1%), work (88.2%), and drive cars (76.1%). Respondents were convinced that contact with a disabled person teaches ways to help others (42.1%), and in fact 58.6% of respondents reported having decided to participate with helping the disabled. The average life satisfaction of the students was 22.7 ± 5.3 which indicates that the respondents are satisfied with their lives. The empathy level of respondents was 66.97 points ± 2.98, which indicates average level of empathy. Conclusions: This study shows that students’ perception of people with disabilities depends upon how the students viewed disabled people’s, life satisfaction and empathy.