Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A Case Report With a Psychosomatic Perspective.

Context • The Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare condition characterized by a triad of symptoms: (1) recurrent and/or persistent orofacial swelling, (2) recurrent facial paralysis, and (3) a fissured tongue. Although various contributing factors have been suggested, the etiology and mechanisms of the syndrome have not been fully elucidated. Objective • The aim of the current study was to examine for the first time some psychosomatic aspects of the syndrome and to evaluate the benefits of a brief psychotherapeutic process in which the research team worked to reintegrate the complex bio-psycho-social functioning of the patient. Design • The research team performed a case study. Setting • The study took place at the outpatient clinic for psychiatric services of the Alto Minho Local Health Unit (Viana do Castelo, Portugal). Participant • The participant was a 26-y-old woman suffering from MRS who received services at the clinic for depression. Her clinical history revealed that significant life events had acted as triggers for her syndrome, both at the start and during several exacerbations of her symptoms. Intervention • The intervention consisted of 15 weekly sessions focused on insight promotion. Outcome Measures • The case study measured changes in the patient's condition through her verbal self-reports about her physical and mental state, and the research team's clinical evaluation. Results • The treatment allowed remission of her depression and diminished the frequency of her relapses of MRS. Conclusions • The current case study offers the first report that describes how significant affective phenomena can act as triggers in the MRS. It also opens the possibility of providing psychiatric and psychological therapeutic interventions to help prevent relapses and exacerbations of that syndrome.