Anxiety is common among TMD patients and often exacerbates pain and muscle tension. PBM laser auriculotherapy has been used to treat pain and may also help manage anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PBM laser auriculotherapy on anxiety symptoms in TMD patients.

The primary objective was to assess the effect of PBM laser auriculotherapy on anxiety symptoms in TMD patients.

This randomized, controlled crossover trial included 22 TMD patients. Participants received PBM laser auriculotherapy twice a week for 4 weeks. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was used to evaluate anxiety levels before and after the intervention. The experimental and placebo groups crossed over after a washout period.

No significant difference in anxiety reduction was found between the EG and PG (p = 0.44).

The findings suggest that PBM laser auriculotherapy did not significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in TMD patients.

PBM laser auriculotherapy may not be effective for managing anxiety in TMD patients in the short term. Further research is required to assess the long-term effects and explore different treatment protocols.