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In delusional
parasitosis, patients mistakenly believe that they are infested
with parasites.
Patients have an unshakable belief that they are infested with insects, worms, mites, lice, or other organisms. They often provide vivid descriptions of how the organisms enter their skin and move around their bodies, and bring samples of hair, skin, and debris such as dried scabs, dust, and lint on slides or in containers (the “matchbox” sign) to prove that the infestation is real. The condition is considered a hypochondriacal psychosis, but the cause is unknown.
Diagnosis is suspected by history. Work-up requires ruling out true infestations and other physiologic disease by physical examination and judicious testing, such as skin scrapings and CBC.
Treatment is with antipsychotic drugs (see Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Schizophrenia). Typically, the patient seeks confirmation that the drug treats the infestation itself, and any suggestion that the treatment is for something else is met with resistance and/or rejection. Thus, effective treatment often requires diplomacy and a delicate balance between offering proper treatment and respecting the patient's right to know.
Last full review/revision September 2008 by James G.H. Dinulos, MD
Content last modified September 2008
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