AIMS: To compare burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients with age- and 
gender-matched controls for psychologic conditions, to analyze the effect of 
menstrual state on the intensity of burning, and to assess the efficacy of an 
antidepressant medication on the burning pain and psychologic status.
METHODS: Ninety-four patients with BMS and 94 matched control subjects 
participated in the study. Anxiety and depression were analyzed by means of the 
Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, 
and the severity of the burning sensation was measured by means of a visual 
analog scale (VAS). In female BMS patients and controls, the menstrual state was 
noted (menstruating, menopausal, or postmenopausal). BMS patients were treated 
with the antidepressant moclobemide (150 mg 2 times daily) for 3 months. 
Thereafter, anxiety, depression, and burning pain intensity were reassessed. 
Patient-perceived satisfactory improvement for burning sensation was assessed 
using a 5-point categorical rating of change scale.
RESULTS: BMS patients had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores 
than controls (P < .05). After treatment, anxiety and depression scores as well 
as the VAS values for burning pain decreased significantly (P < .001). 
Thirty-seven patients reported good to very good improvement, and 44 reported 
satisfactory improvement. No adverse reactions were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed earlier reports that BMS patients have higher 
anxiety and depression levels than controls. An antidepressant medication may be 
effective in alleviating the burning pain, at least in the short-term.