title: The predictive value of the TMJ scale in detecting psychological problems and non-TM disorders in patients with temporomandibular disorders.
abstract: Identification of psychological problems and non-TM disorders in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is an essential but often difficult task. The TMJ Scale is a self-report symptom inventory that can detect these problems. The predictive value model for assessing the accuracy of diagnostic tests is reviewed. This model is then used to study the Psychological Factors, Stress, and Non-TM Disorder scales of the TMJ Scale to determine whether they add accuracy to the diagnostic process compared with dentists' predictions. The results suggest that these scales provide an improvement in diagnostic accuracy in ruling out and in confirming these problems in the individual patient throughout the range of base rates found in clinical practice. The application of the principles of predictive values to test interpretation helps the dentist determine what level of confidence may be placed in the diagnostic test results and associated clinical decisions.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina Schools of Dentistry and Medicine.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Levitt
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*