Delusional parasitosis

Delusional parasitosis
Synonyms	Ekbom's syndrome
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	False belief of infestation with parasites
Complications	Skin lesions due to excessive scratching
Onset	Typically middle age
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly related to mental health disorders
Risks	Social isolation, anxiety, depression
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis based on history and examination
Differential diagnosis	Scabies, body dysmorphic disorder, substance-induced psychotic disorder
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy
Medication	Pimozide, Risperidone, Olanzapine
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Delusional Parasitosis is a rare psychiatric disorder in which individuals have a persistent belief that they are infested with parasites, insects, or bugs, despite there being no medical evidence to support this belief. This condition is also known as Ekbom's Syndrome or Delusional Infestation.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Delusional Parasitosis is a fixed, false belief of being infested with parasites. Individuals may describe sensations of itching, crawling, or biting, and may present self-inflicted wounds from attempts to remove the perceived parasites.

Causes

The exact cause of Delusional Parasitosis is unknown. It may occur as a primary psychiatric disorder, or secondary to another medical condition or substance use.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily based on the individual's symptoms and history. Other medical conditions and substance use disorders that could cause similar symptoms must be ruled out.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves antipsychotic medications, which can help to reduce the delusional beliefs and associated distress. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also be beneficial.

See Also

• Psychiatry
• Parasitology
• Delusion
• Antipsychotic