Chewing against hypersialorrhea? – Mental Health

At Cadillac Hospital, the pilot study ChewDaily will evaluate the impact of chewing gum on hypersialorrhea, linked to the use of psychotropic drugs.

The management of psychiatric disorders frequently requires the prescription of psychotropic drugs, which are highly prone to adverse effects. Among them, hypersialorrhea (excess saliva) can significantly impact patients’ quality of life (1). Drug treatments exist, but their effectiveness remains limited and they can induce additional adverse effects, sometimes leading to compliance problems (2, 3).

Years of clinical surveillance at the Cadillac Hospital Center, a working group on swallowing disorders, in-depth bibliographic research and specific training, have made it possible to consider the use of chewing gum to restore functional swallowing abilities. The first trials with patients suffering from hypersialorrhea were encouraging.

In this context, the study Chew Dailycarried out by a multidisciplinary team from the Cadillac Hospital (occupational therapist, pharmacist, psychiatrist, general practitioner) aims to evaluate the impact of chewing gum on hypersialorrhea.

This pilot study thus compares two groups of 23 patients staying in full hospitalization: an experimental group benefiting from a swallowing rehabilitation program by chewing gum, and a control group, evaluated according to the same protocol without the use of chewing gum. In the experimental group, each participant received chewing rehabilitation sessions three times a week for four weeks. Each session lasts 15 minutes, a duration determined based on clinical feedback from patients on this practice. Hypersialorrhea, quality of life and compliance with treatments are assessed in both groups using various standardized tools and specific questions.

Classified as Category 2 Research involving humans, the project received a favorable opinion from the Personal Protection Committee and funding from the Fondation de l’Avenir, which supports clinical research and health innovation. Results expected by the end of 2027.

This work also aims to raise awareness among professionals seeking innovative solutions in psychiatry, by promoting less conventional therapeutic approaches.

1– Sanagustin D., Martin-Subero M., Hogg B., Fortea L., Gardoki I., et al., Prevalence of clozapine-induced sialorrhea and its effect on quality of life, Psychopharmacology, 2023, 240(1), 203-211.