Effect of a Brief Group Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome

Abstract

The present study was conducted to explore the efficacy of group cognitive-behavioral treatment for burning mouth syndrome in patients with intractable, persistent pain. Thirty-five participants (30 women and 5 men, ages 66.0±8.0 years) were included in this study. A brief cognitive-behavioral intervention was delivered in a small group format to patients with burning mouth syndrome. Numeric rating scales were used to assess present pain intensity before and after the session. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was also used to evaluate trait and state anxiety before and after the session. After the session, the present pain intensity was significantly reduced from 5.2±2.2 to 4.4±2.1 (P<0.01). The state anxiety inventory score was significantly reduced from 48.6±8.7 to 40.3±9.7 (P<0.01) and the trait anxiety inventory score was also significantly reduced from 46.9±8.9 to 44.3±10.1 (P<0.01). The present results suggest that a brief group cognitive-behavioral intervention is effective in managing pain and anxiety of patients with burning mouth syndrome.