Evaluation of patients suffered from burning mouth syndrome and persistent idiopathic facial pain using Japanese version PainDETECT questionnaire and depression scales

Abstract Background/purpose Various questionnaires have been validated as methods for screening of neuropathic pain, but none have been established for the orofacial region. Although chronic pain and depression are likely to comorbid, few studies have examined the relationship between orofacial chronic pain and depression. Therefore, we evaluated the potential of the Japanese Version of PainDETECT as an assessment tool for neuropathic pain associated with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP). We also evaluated the depression scale such as Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI: a subjective index) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS: an objective index) with BMS or PIFP. Materials and methods As a target, we administered the Japanese version of the PainDETECT questionnaire to the BMS (29 patients) and PIFP (17 patients). As a control, patients with post-extraction pain (typical nociceptive pain, (EXT) 16 patients) were also participated. We performed BDI and HDRS with BMS or PIFP. Results Although PainDETECT final score was significantly higher in BMS [median: 10] compared with PIFP [6] and EXT [5] (p  Conclusion Under the limitations of current research design, the Japanese version of the PainDETECT questionnaire does not show sufficient potential as pain assessment tool for patients with BMS and PIFP. BMS is comorbid with depression objectively when compared with PIFP.