FEATURES OF THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM XEROSTOMIA

The article is devoted to the study of the psycho-emotional state of patients suffering from xerostomia. The authors proceed from the assumption that xerostomia is closely connected with the patient’s psychological condition, since such states as asthenia, depression, vegetative-vascular dystonia, mental disorders and previous stress may contribute to its development, while oral dryness itself worsens psychological well-being and creates a vicious circle. The aim of the study was to objectify the psycho-emotional status of patients with xerostomia. The study included 31 patients in whom the severity of psychopathological symptoms was assessed using the SCL-90-R questionnaire. The results showed that most patients experienced psychological discomfort, and the proportion of those who exceeded normal values in at least one indicator reached 52±9%. The most significant deviations were identified on the somatisation scale, where abnormalities were found in 19±7% of patients. In addition, separate deviations were noted on the scales of depression, anxiety, phobia, hostility, psychoticism, paranoia, and the integral indices of overall psychological distress. It was concluded that patients with xerostomia demonstrate actual impairment or a clear tendency toward deterioration of psychological health, which supports the inclusion of psychological support in their comprehensive treatment, including mindfulness-based techniques.