Prevalence of xerostomia and burning sensation in patients with psychosocial disorders

There are many ways in which mental health and oral health can impact each other. certain oral symptoms like xerostomia and burning sensation are thought to be associated with psychological status of individuals. however,very little data are available on the presence and prevalence of xerostomia and burning sensation in patients suffering from psychosocial disorders,especially so in the indian population. this study is expected not only to provide a baseline data about the prevalence,but help in a better understanding of the association between these oral symptoms and the psychological status of the patients. two hundred adult individuals diagnosed with some psychosocial disorder,either institutionalized or under out-patient care,were included in the study. based on direct interviews and using standard questionnaires,xerostomia and burning sensation as well as certain other associated symptoms were evaluated. analysis of the results showed prevalence of xerostomia and burning sensation to be 43.5% and 9.5% respectively among the studied population. the mean visual analogue scale score for burning sensation was 7.23. xerostomia and burning sensation are prevalent in significantly high number of patients with psychosocial disorders. assessment of these oral symptoms in such patients therefore should be done on a routine basis. conversely,there is also the possibility of patients with xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome possessing an altered psychosocial status. thus,standardized evaluation of psychosocial state should be incorporated in the examination protocol. xerostomia; burning sensation; prevalence; psychosocial disorders.