Advancements in Understanding and Classifying Chronic Orofacial Pain: Key Insights from Biopsychosocial Models and International Classifications (ICHD-3, ICD-11, ICOP)

• Published in: Biomedicines Vol. 11; no. 12; p. 3266
• Main Authors: Canfora, Federica, Ottaviani, Giulia, Calabria, Elena, Pecoraro, Giuseppe, Leuci, Stefania, Coppola, Noemi, Sansone, Mattia, Rupel, Katia, Biasotto, Matteo, Di Lenarda, Roberto, Mignogna, Michele Davide, Adamo, Daniela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.12.2023
• Subjects: Back pain; biopsychosocial; burning mouth syndrome; Care and treatment; Chronic pain; Classification; Classification systems; Dentists; Disease; Health care; Medical personnel; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Nervous system; Neurophysiology; orofacial pain; Pain; Physiology; Quality of life; Social aspects; Social factors; Social interaction; Standardization; Task forces; toothache/diagnosis; orofacial pain; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5); models; chronic pain; International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11); trigeminal neuralgia; biopsychosocial; International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3); International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP); burning mouth syndrome; toothache/diagnosis
• ISSN: 2227-9059; 2227-9059
• DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123266

In exploring chronic orofacial pain (COFP), this review highlights its global impact on life quality and critiques current diagnostic systems, including the ICD-11, ICOP, and ICHD-3, for their limitations in addressing COFP's complexity. Firstly, this study outlines the global burden of chronic pain and the importance of distinguishing between different pain types for effective treatment. It then delves into the specific challenges of diagnosing COFP, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach that incorporates the biopsychosocial model. This review critically examines existing classification systems, highlighting their limitations in fully capturing COFP's multifaceted nature. It advocates for the integration of these systems with the DSM-5's Somatic Symptom Disorder code, proposing a unified, multidisciplinary diagnostic approach. This recommendation aims to improve chronic pain coding standardization and acknowledge the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in COFP. In conclusion, here, we highlight the need for a comprehensive, universally applicable classification system for COFP. Such a system would enable accurate diagnosis, streamline treatment strategies, and enhance communication among healthcare professionals. This advancement holds potential for significant contributions to research and patient care in this challenging field, offering a broader perspective for scientists across disciplines.