A Psychotherapeutic Case Illustrating a Psychogenic Factor in Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is described as a burning sensation of the oral mucosa, tongue, palate, lips and pharynx. The case material presented in this paper illustrates a strong psychogenic element in the aetiology of BMS. Conclusions are drawn on the basis that the patient's material suggests that the recovery of memories played a part in the resolution of her symptoms. The importance this has for psychotherapists is that it allows a reappraisal of the value of using psychoanalytic constructs as a means of understanding the mental representation, symbolisation and psychopathology of conditions of a psychogenic nature.