Delusional Infestation, Including Delusions of Parasitosis

Abstract

To review the results of skin biopsies and patient-provided specimens from patients whose assessment was consistent with delusional infestation, including delusions of parasitosis.

Delusional parasitosis of face in a factory worker

“…[238] The histopathology of skin biopsy and specimen brought by the patients show dermatitis, excoriation, ulceration, or inflammation, but no parasites. [9] In the present case also, there were no parasites seen, but it showed matchbox sign classically reported with this disorder. There are reports mentioning the usefulness of aripiprazole in the treatment of delusional parasitosis.…”

Delusional infestation: Clinical presentation in 147 patients seen at Mayo Clinic

“…These findings have been further discussed in a separate publication. 18 In summary, no evidence of true infestation was found in patient-provided specimens, biopsies, or ova and parasite analyses. Identified factors potentially contributing to delusional state Recreational drugs.…”

“…18 All medical records that were retrieved by any of these terms were reviewed, regardless of the patient's age, sex, or geographic area. An initial reading was conducted so that records erroneously included by the broad search could be discarded.…”

“…Psychiatric comorbidity. The psychiatric comorbid conditions of these 147 patients have been described in detail in Hylwa et al18 In brief, however, psychiatric referral was suggested for 109 patients (74%). Only half (54 [50%]) of these 109 patients followed through with the evaluation.…”

Filament formation associated with spirochetal infection: a comparative approach to Morgellons disease

“…The Internet through its ability to instantly disperse information, reliable or not, is blamed for misinforming patients and causing support of disease beliefs that are said to lack scientific evidence 44–46. The lack of a universally accepted clinical definition for Morgellons disease has resulted in patients with various diseases, some psychiatric and others not, being categorized together in many studies 85. On the other hand, the few researchers who have examined patients exhibiting dermopathy with fibers that are subcutaneous or imbedded in lesions have provided convincing evidence that the disease is not self-inflicted and that a pathogen may be involved 20,25.…”