Choosing the appropriate pharmacotherapy for Morgellons disease: an expert perspective

Balogh, Esther A.; Beuerlein, Katherine G; Feldman, Steven R.

doi:10.1080/14656566.2022.2029407

Cited by 2 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…"someone to talk to") [24]. Aside from intensive psychotherapy, such as CBT [20,26], a number of treatments have been proposed and used in clinical practice, including pharmacological interventions [16][17][18][19][20]. As a psychotic spectrum disorder, treatment may involve the use of first and second-generation antipsychotics, which in some cases can induce remission [16,18,20].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Aside from intensive psychotherapy, such as CBT [20,26], a number of treatments have been proposed and used in clinical practice, including pharmacological interventions [16][17][18][19][20]. As a psychotic spectrum disorder, treatment may involve the use of first and second-generation antipsychotics, which in some cases can induce remission [16,18,20]. Initiation of antipsychotic treatment is near impossible without a therapeutic alliance, as patients typically lack insight into the psychological origins of their delusions and believe that they truly are experiencing a cutaneous condition [4,16].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Management of the condition often involves addressing the underlying psychological cause and providing symptomatic relief for the patient [3,4]. In some cases, this involves the use of topical or systemic medications [16][17][18][19][20] in combination with psychotherapy [1,20].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceived Conjunctival Foreign Material Egress in Morgellons Disease: A Case Study

Ghiam,

Sojitra,

Reiff

et al. 2024

Case Reports in Psychiatry

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The purpose of this report is to present a case of a 63-year-old man with orbital Morgellons disease. A 63-year-old man presented reporting 15 years of daily egress of different foreign bodies apparently found in the superior fornices of both eyes, exhibiting a classic manifestation known as the matchbox sign. He described the symptoms starting after a facial trauma. The patient stated that at several points over the 15-year course of his condition, he was so distressed that he had contemplated suicide. On multiple exams by a range of ophthalmic professionals, there was no evidence of foreign body. Further investigation involving MRI and plain radiographs demonstrated similar lack of findings. A trial of gabapentin was performed without improvement in symptoms. He discontinued care 5 months later. Morgellons disease is a poorly understood condition, particularly ophthalmic presentations of the disease. Despite extensive investigation, the exact cause of Morgellons disease remains unclear, and there is no definitive treatment for the condition. We highlight the importance of empathetic listening in building trust, as a means of helping the patient to seek psychological help.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceived Conjunctival Foreign Material Egress in Morgellons Disease: A Case Study

Ghiam,

Sojitra,

Reiff

et al. 2024

Case Reports in Psychiatry

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“…17 Among second-generation antipsychotics, risperidone, amisulpride, olanzapine, aripiprazole and quetiapine have been identified as preferred drugs for the treatment of MD. 31 However, prescribing antipsychotics can be difficult for patients who hold different beliefs about the cause of their symptoms. Explaining the use of antipsychotics to such patients may make them feel ignored and potentially damage the doctor-patient relationship.…”

Section: Tr E Atm E N T a N D M A Nage M E N Tmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…32 Therefore, physicians should clearly explain the diagnosis of DP/DI and may suggest psychopharmacologic treatment based on the current medical knowledge. 31 A number of case reports have described patients who refuse psychiatric referral or counselling. 16,33 Lack of insight into the underlying cause of their complaints may play a role in this refusal.…”

Section: Tr E Atm E N T a N D M A Nage M E N Tmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of literature and clinical practice experience for the therapeutic management of Morgellons disease

Kemperman,

Vulink,

Smit

et al. 2024

Acad Dermatol Venereol

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Morgellons disease (MD) is a rare and contentious health condition characterized by dermatological symptoms including slow‐healing skin lesions ‘attributed’ to fibres emerging from or under the skin. Patients also report sensations of crawling, biting and infestation with inanimate objects. This review examines the aetiology, patient characteristics, epidemiology, historical context, correlation with Lyme disease, role of internet, impact on quality of life and treatment approaches for MD. Despite ongoing debate, MD is not officially recognized in medical classifications, with differing views on its aetiology. Some link MD to Lyme disease, while others view it as a variant of delusional infestation. The literature suggests both psychiatric and environmental factors may contribute. The manuscript explores the association with substance abuse, psychiatric comorbidities, infectious agents and the role of internet communities in shaping perceptions. MD's impact on quality of life is significant, yet often overlooked. Treatment approaches are varied due to limited evidence, with low‐dose antipsychotics being considered effective, but patient beliefs may influence adherence. A patient‐centred, multidisciplinary approach is emphasized, considering both the physical and psychological dimensions of MD. Addressing the controversies surrounding MD while focusing on patient well‐being remains a critical challenge for healthcare professionals.

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Choosing the appropriate pharmacotherapy for Morgellons disease: an expert perspective

Cited by 2 publications

References 21 publications

Perceived Conjunctival Foreign Material Egress in Morgellons Disease: A Case Study

Perceived Conjunctival Foreign Material Egress in Morgellons Disease: A Case Study

Review of literature and clinical practice experience for the therapeutic management of Morgellons disease

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