Psychological and behavioral aspects of chronic facial pain.

This article provides an overview of psychological and behavioral factors contributing to chronic facial pain. Psychiatric diagnostic issues are presented from the perspective of the primary treating physician or dentist, with emphasis on practical ways of identifying and managing patients with psychosocial complications of their presenting complaints. Behavioral factors contributing to facial pain, including parafunctional habits such as bruxism and muscular tension, and their connection to stress are discussed. Various behavioral and psychological treatment approaches are reviewed.