Cognitive behavioral therapy - medical hypnosis for temporomandibular dysfunction

Medical hypnosis is a proven psychotherapeutic intervention for pain management and cognitive modification of behavioral patterns associated with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The scientific evidence documenting its efficacy is steadily growing. On the other hand, hypnotherapy should never be regarded as a stand-alone treatment for temporomandibular dysfunction, but should always be used in combination with other proven treatment modalities. The present article will briefly review the literature describing the scientific basis for using medical hypnosis for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders, and will present two case studies illustrating the clinical approach to hypnotherapy for temporomandibular pain and dysfunction. Keywords: cognitive behavioral therapy, medical hypnosis, temporomandibular dysfunction