Delusional parasitosis
Delusional Parasitosis
Delusional parasitosis (pronounced: de-loo-shun-al par-uh-si-toh-sis), also known as Ekbom's syndrome, is a rare psychiatric condition where the affected individual has a persistent belief of being infested with parasites, despite the absence of any medical evidence.
Etymology
The term "delusional parasitosis" is derived from the Latin word "delusio" meaning "deception", and the Greek words "para" meaning "beside" and "sitos" meaning "food". This refers to the delusional belief of having parasites beside or within one's body. The term "Ekbom's syndrome" is named after the Swedish neurologist, Karl-Axel Ekbom, who first described the condition in 1938.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of delusional parasitosis is a fixed, false belief of being infested with parasites. Individuals may report sensations of crawling, biting, or burrowing, and may present self-inflicted skin lesions due to attempts to remove the non-existent parasites.
Causes
The exact cause of delusional parasitosis is unknown. However, it is often associated with other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. It may also occur in individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or dementia.
Treatment
Treatment for delusional parasitosis typically involves the use of antipsychotic medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be beneficial.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Delusional parasitosis
- Wikipedia's article - Delusional parasitosis
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