Psychometric Assessment of Clinical Factors in Burning Mouth Syndrome Progression

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study employed psychometric tools to assess the impact of factors such as age, symptom location, and duration on the improvement in burning mouth syndrome (BMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 86 women with BMS were divided into 4 groups: laser plus clonazepam (n = 24), sham laser placebo (n = 20), laser only (n = 22), and clonazepam only (n = 20). Symptom severity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and somnolence with the Epworth Somnolence Scale (ESS). Questionnaires were completed at baseline, 1 month post-treatment, and at 3 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Symptom intensity significantly decreased from baseline to study end (P < .001), with minor increases during follow-up. Stress levels also significantly declined (P = .016), while anxiety, depression, and somnolence showed no significant changes (P > .05). Symptom intensity correlated with age (P < .001), and initial anxiety correlated with disease duration (P = .027). CONCLUSION: Age, disease duration, and symptom location did not significantly influence symptom improvement, psychological state, or somnolence. Further multidisciplinary research is needed.