Psychiatric disorders in burning mouth syndrome

Objectives. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in the population of patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Methods. 25 patients (mean age 61 y.o.), 23 females (92%) and 2 males (8%), with BMS, of the Dental Clinic of the Second University of Naples, underwent a psychiatric evaluation, with clinical interview and the feeding of five psychometric scales: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 1-2), Distress Thermometer (DT) and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Pearson’s analysis (r) was performed for variables distress, pain (VAS score), state and trait anxiety and depressive symptoms on the HAM-D. Distress was tested in a linear regression model with stepwise method, with independent variables VAS, STAI-state and STAI-trait. Results. 48% of the sample presented a VAS score of severe type, 32% moderate type, and 20% mild type; 56% had depressive symptoms; 91% had a score above the cut-off for state anxiety and 83% for trait anxiety; 68% presented Fatigue (70% severe, 30% mild to moderate); 96% presented Distress (64% severe, 32% moderate type). Pearson’s analysis (r) showed that variable Distress correlates with VAS score (r = 0.723, p = 0.0001), with state anxiety (r = 0.584, p = 0.01) and trait anxiety (r = 0.637, p = 0.001). Results showed that distress is influenced by pain (VAS) (p = 0.0001) and trait anxiety (STAI Y-2) (p = 0.01). Conclusions. Significant correlation between the intensity of the pain (burning), the presence of anxious trait and the presence of Distress have been found; the anxious trait and a greater intensity of burning are predictors for the development of Distress. These results show the influence of psychiatric disorders in the pathophysiology of BMS so clinicians may suggest a psychiatric consultation to improve treatment efficacy.