Introduction: Glossodynia or burning mouth syndrome is a common disorder which mainly affects women (7:1). Its physiopathology is poorly understood and treatment is uncertain. Evidence indicates the importance of psychological factors in the genesis of this disease. Objective: To identify epidemiological, clinical and psychological factors important in glossodynia. Methods: The study group consisted of 22 patients with a clinical diagnosis of glossodynia seen at the Stomatology Outpatient Clinic of the Division of ENT Department of University of São Paulo between May 1999 and October 2000. All patients were submitted to otorhinolaryngological, blood and endoscopic examination and psychological assessment as part of the routine protocol. The data obtained were analyzed regarding epidemiological, clinical , therapeutic and psychological factors. Results: Among the 22 patients, 18 were female (82%) and four were male. The age ranged from 31 to 79 years (mean 55 years). Nineteen patients (86%) underwent psychotherapy, and improvement was reported by eight (67%). Among the 3 patients who did not undergo psychological approach, only one improved. Psychological imbalance as a result of the loss of a relative who represented a strong dominance factor in family relationships seems to be a predominant factor in the genesis of glossodynia. Conclusions: Glossodynia was more prevalent among women and the main complaint was burning of the tongue. Psychological assessment demonstrated a close relation between glossodynia and psychological factors, suggesting that a multidisciplinary approach is an important alternative to the conventional treatment methods.