OBJECTIVE AND STUDY DESIGN: This open study of 192 otherwise healthy persons 
with burning mouth syndrome, examined the efficacy on control of symptoms of 
psychotherapy alone with two hour sessions weekly for two months; alpha lipoic 
acid (ALA, tioctic acid; Tiobec) 600 mg/day alone for two months; or combination 
therapy of psychoanalysis and 600 mg/day ALA for two months. Controls received 
placebo alone.
RESULTS: Most benefit was obtained with combination therapy. Combination therapy 
of psychoanalysis and alpha lipoic acid (ALA, tioctic acid; Tiobec. 600 mg/day) 
for two months gave most benefit and significantly more than psychoanalysis 
alone for two 1 hour sessions weekly for two months (p<0.0005), or ALA 600 
mg/day alone for two months (p<0.0005).
CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that alpha lipoic acid may complement 
psychotherapy and can be an acceptable alternative to psychoactive agents, but 
trials to compare the two approaches are now warranted.