Health briefs: Binges and tough times

Tough economic times can lead people to eat much more than they normally would, a recent study finds. So, to cut down on calories, tune out bad news, the study suggests. Study participants who were given numerous messages about tough times ate nearly 40 percent more food than those who were given neutral messages. The researchers from the University of Miami School of Business Administration also found that messages about tough times led people to desire more high-calorie foods.

Depression linked to jaw pain

There's a link between depression and anxiety symptoms and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder pain, a condition that affects the jaw, according to a new study. TMJ disorders affect the muscles and joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. This study by German researchers included more than 4,000 patients who underwent medical and oral health examinations and TMJ pain assessments, and completed a psychiatric risk factor questionnaire. The researchers found that depressive symptoms were more strongly related to TMJ pain than to muscle pain, while anxiety symptoms were linked with muscle pain. TMJ pain may be a physical symptom of depression or anxiety, according to the researchers. They explained that these mental health conditions could lead to increased activity in the jaw muscles that could cause inflammation and pain.

-- HealthDay