Relationship between depression and masticatory muscles function in a group of adolescents

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine association between depressive symptoms and the electrical activity of muscles in maximum voluntary clench in a group of young adults. METHODS: A total of 186 volunteers (Females = 98, Males = 88), with a mean age of 19 years, were recruited to the study. All participants took a questionnaire survey stating the level of depression (Beck's scale), clinical examination, and instrumental diagnostics (EMG). RESULTS: Symptoms of mild or medium depression were found in 35 of the subjects (18.82%). Average electric potentials of the masticatory muscles in maximal voluntary clench were significantly higher among the subjects with depression symptoms in comparison with subjects without those symptoms (85.96 ± 10.25 vs 78.97 ± 15.32, p < . 0.05). DISCUSSION: An increase in the electrical potentials of masseter muscles in maximal voluntary clench was found in the group with depression symptoms. The study should be continued to confirm this finding.