Psychosocial profiles of women with chronic temporomandibular disorder pain: A visual T-score approach based on DC/TMD axis II

OBJECTIVE: To apply a visual psychosocial profiling method based on standardized DC/TMD Axis II T-scores in women with chronic painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 adult women (20 with chronic painful TMD and 20 pain-free controls). Psychosocial variables were assessed using DC/TMD Axis II instruments, and T-scores were calculated to enable standardized comparisons. A visual approach was used to integrate and represent psychosocial profiles across domains. RESULTS: ≥ 60) were observed in 95% of the TMD group. Pain catastrophizing correlated strongly with pain intensity and pain-related interference. No significant differences were found between groups for salivary biomarkers. CONCLUSION: The visual integration of DC/TMD Axis II measures may support rapid identification of psychosocial vulnerability and improve clinical decision-making in women with chronic TMD.