Drugs and Personality
Consumption of certain drugs can lead to teeth grinding. Teeth grinding is specifically related to a form of antidepressant drug known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Examples of SSRI include paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Drugs that treat psychiatric conditions can also cause bruxism. These drugs cause alterations in the central nervous system that cause teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Patients are advised to report to their doctor if they notice signs of exacerbation of teeth grinding.
Research has shown that teeth grinding is associated with certain personality disorders such as neuroticism. Bruxism is associated with repression of aggressiveness, people with bruxism have elevated levels of hostility susceptibility to stress and depression. The personality factor is so important, doctors make sure they understand the behavioral pattern of patients before treating teeth grinding. Children may experience difficulties dealing with pressure and arguments, this makes them susceptible to stress. Personality disorders are also responsible for other medical conditions such as nutritional disorders and sleep disorders.