Gratitude Journaling for TMJ Disorder

Overseen By Melissa Makhoul, PhD, MSN, RN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Florida

Must not be taking: Opioids

Disqualifiers: TMD surgery, Cancer, Severe psychiatric, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 2 weeks

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a simple activity, like gratitude journaling, can help individuals with jaw pain lasting over three months and other chronic pain issues. The main goal is to determine if participants can maintain a two-week journaling routine and their perceptions of the activity. Researchers will also assess whether this journaling reduces pain and eases daily life compared to general wellness journaling. Ideal candidates for this trial have ongoing jaw pain and at least one other chronic pain condition, such as migraines or fibromyalgia. Participants must visit the clinic twice and complete some journaling at home. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore new ways to manage chronic pain through simple, non-invasive methods.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot use opioids within 48 hours before a lab visit.

What prior data suggests that this journaling activity is safe for individuals with TMD?

Research has shown that gratitude journaling is a safe activity. It involves writing down things for which one is thankful, and it carries no medical risks. Studies on similar activities have found that people handle them well. No reports of harm or negative effects from gratitude journaling exist, making it a very low-risk option for anyone interested in trying it. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using gratitude journaling for TMJ disorder because it offers a novel, non-pharmacological approach to managing symptoms. Unlike traditional treatments like pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or physical therapy, gratitude journaling focuses on mental well-being, which could impact stress and pain perception. This technique is easy to implement, has no side effects, and could empower patients by promoting a positive mindset, potentially leading to improved overall health and reduced TMJ discomfort.

What evidence suggests that gratitude journaling might be an effective treatment for TMD?

Research has shown that keeping a gratitude journal might help reduce pain and improve life for people with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). In this trial, participants will either engage in a Gratitude Intervention or follow a General Wellness approach. Studies suggest that focusing on gratitude can create positive feelings, which may help manage pain. Evidence indicates that gratitude journaling can lower stress, and since stress can worsen TMD symptoms, this could be beneficial. Early findings from other chronic pain conditions demonstrate that similar methods help reduce pain's impact on daily life. While direct data for TMD is still being gathered, the potential benefits appear promising. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) and chronic overlapping pain. Participants will need to attend two in-person visits, complete questionnaires, and perform sensitivity tests. They must also commit to a 2-week journaling activity at home.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to read, understand, and write in English

I experience pain in my jaw or temple area.

My pain has lasted for at least 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant or lactating

Severe psychiatric conditions (e.g., uncontrolled mood disorders)

Any other conditions that in the opinion of study investigators could make participation in the study unsafe

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete a 2-week gratitude journaling activity at home, writing in their journal on three days of their choice per week

2 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Gratitude

Trial Overview The study is testing the feasibility and acceptability of a gratitude journaling intervention aimed at reducing pain from TMD and improving daily life interference. It compares this approach with general wellness journaling over a period of two weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Gratitude Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: General Wellness Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,428

Recruited

987,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06977100?term=AREA%5BBasicSearch%5D(AREA%5BConditionSearch%5D(Tibial%20muscular%20dystrophy%20OR%20%22distal%20myopathy,%20Udd%20type%22%20OR%20%22%20distal%20titinopathy%22%20OR%20%22%20Finnish%20tibial%20muscular%20dystrophy%22%20OR%20%22%20tardive%20tibial%20muscular%20dystrophy%22%20OR%20%22%20tmd%22%20OR%20%22%20Udd%20myopathy%22%20OR%20%22%20Udd%20type%20distal%20myopathy%22)%20AND%20AREA%5BOverallStatus%5D(NOT_YET_RECRUITING%20OR%20RECRUITING))&rank=6

Journaling Intervention for Temporomandibular Disorder ... Data collected at the beginning of a clinical study for all participants and for each arm or comparison group. These data include demographics, such as age, sex ...

2. trials.arthritis.org trials.arthritis.org/trials/NCT06977100

Journaling Intervention for Temporomandibular Disorder ... The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a 2-week gratitude journaling activity is feasible and acceptable for individuals with Temporomandibular ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/gratitude-journaling-for-tmj-disorder-53b42

Gratitude Journaling for TMJ Disorder The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a 2-week gratitude journaling activity is feasible and acceptable for individuals with Temporomandibular ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10492274/

Patients' experiences of temporomandibular disorders and ... This study aimed to explore patients' experiences of TMD and related treatment, with special focus on the experiences of having TMD, factors related to seeking ...

5. springfieldsmiledoctor.com springfieldsmiledoctor.com/blog/expert-tmj-diagnosis-methods

Diagnosing TMJ with an Expert This article outlines the essential methods used to diagnose TMJ disorder, focusing on modern techniques that provide accurate and reliable information.

6. app.trialscreen.org app.trialscreen.org/trials/journaling-intervention-temporomandibular-disorder-tmd-chronic-overlapping-trial-nct06977100

Gratitude Journaling for TMD and Chronic Pain Benefits: Participation in this study may help individuals better understand and manage their TMD and chronic overlapping pain through the practice of gratitude ...

7. withpower.com withpower.com/clinical-trials/for-temporomandibular-joint

Top Temporomandibular Joint Clinical Trials | Power The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a 2-week gratitude journaling activity is feasible and acceptable for individuals with Temporomandibular ...