
pmid: 23466108
Delusional infestation or delusional parasitosis is a form of monodelusional disorder, a condition sometimes encountered in psychiatric or primary care practice. The outcome of this condition is good when compliance can be ensured.In the present study, a series of 50 consecutive cases of delusional infestation is reported.A majority of cases (94%) had insidious onset. The duration of symptoms in all but 3 cases was 6 months or more. Twenty-eight cases presented with a delusion of infestation by insects over the body and 20 cases with a delusion of insects crawling over the scalp. Two cases had associated diabetes mellitus, 3 cases had leprosy, 2 cases had dementia, 5 cases had depression, and 4 cases presented with trichotillomania. Among the second generation antipsychotics, risperidone was used in 12 cases, olanzapine in 9 cases, amisulpride in 7 cases, etc. Thirty-four cases (68%) showed complete remission while receiving pharmacotherapy, 13 cases showed partial improvement, and 3 cases did not respond to treatment.The study demonstrates the utility of second generation antipsychotics in the treatment of this disorder. Further studies are warranted to study the treatment and outcome of this important psychiatric disorder.
Adult, Male, Ectoparasitic Infestations, Middle Aged, Risperidone, Delusions, Benzodiazepines, Treatment Outcome, Olanzapine, Humans, Female, Amisulpride, Sulpiride, Antipsychotic Agents
Adult, Male, Ectoparasitic Infestations, Middle Aged, Risperidone, Delusions, Benzodiazepines, Treatment Outcome, Olanzapine, Humans, Female, Amisulpride, Sulpiride, Antipsychotic Agents
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 28 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
