Delusional Parasitosis: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Treatment
Journal Title: Psikiyatride Guncel Yaklasimlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry - Year 2010, Vol 2, Issue 3
Abstract
Delusional parasitosis is a delusional disorder in which the patient has the false and persistent belief that he is infested by some type of parasite or small living creatures. The disease has been called under different names such as “Ekbom syndrome” or psychogenic parasitosis in the last century. Delusional parasitosis is divided into primary, secondary functional and secondary organic groups. The female-to-male ratio in delusional parasitosis is approximately 2:1.Delusional parasitosis is associated in 5-15% of shared psychotic disorder and can run within a family (folie a familie). The diagnosis is one of exclusion, and other diseases that can also cause a sensation of itching should be considered, investigated, and treated if present. Lack of treatment might cause delusional symptoms to gain chronicity, and might further complicate treatment response. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy, and in the presence of dermatological lesions some topical dermatological agents and antihistaminics are used in the treatment of this disorder.
Authors and Affiliations
Gonca Karakus
Keywords
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