The patient was a 38-year-old woman who complained of an irritating sound at the left TMJ while chewing. The symptom disappeared within a few months after beginning treatment. However, the patient returned complaining about trismus and had severe anxiety about not being able to open her mouth ever again.
We decided to take a psychological approach and suggest to her the close relationship between the psychological factors and the aggravation of symptoms.
By using this psychological approach, we were able to resolve the problematic relationship between the patient's anxiety and symptoms. We then proceeded with physical treatment to remove all symptoms.
In this case, it was considered that the use of a small amount of psychotherapy enabled a better relationship between the doctor and patient that was important to the success of the treatment.
