1/9. delusions of parasitosis. An approach to the problem.One of the most frustrating problems in clinical dermatology is the patient with a delusion of parasitosis. Over the years, very little realistic and practical advice has been offered to the perplexed dermatologists. We describe an approach that is based on the thesis that dermatologists can and often should treat such patients. By considering each patient as an individual, and by working to build rapport, the dermatologist is in the best position to offer help. We report two illustrative cases and discuss guidelines to treatment.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/9. Severe tungiasis in underprivileged communities: case series from brazil.tungiasis is caused by infestation with the sand flea (tunga penetrans). This ectoparasitosis is endemic in economically depressed communities in South American and African countries. tungiasis is usually considered an entomologic nuisance and does not receive much attention from healthcare professionals. During a study on tungiasis-related disease in an economically depressed area in Fortaleza, northeast brazil, we identified 16 persons infested with an extremely high number of parasites. These patients had >50 lesions each and showed signs of intense acute and chronic inflammation. superinfection of the lesions had led to pustule formation, suppuration, and ulceration. Debilitating sequelae, such as loss of nails and difficulty in walking, were constant. In economically depressed urban neighborhoods characterized by a high transmission potential, poor housing conditions, social neglect, and inadequate healthcare behavior, tungiasis may develop into severe disease.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.2keywords = parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/9. delusional parasitosis: folie a deux and attempted murder of a family doctor.A 58-year-old woman suffering from delusional parasitosis tried to kill her general practitioner. Her husband shared in her beliefs but lost all delusional conviction after she was compulsorily admitted to a special hospital. The case illustrates the intractable nature and potential dangerousness of some of these cases, and their affinity to paranoia.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 2.0608927112943keywords = delusional parasitosis, parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/9. Atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of delusional parasitosis.delusional parasitosis is the false belief that one's body is infested with one or many different living organisms. Historically, it has been treated with conventional antipsychotics with only moderate success. The conventional antipsychotic most commonly used has been pimozide. We report a series of five cases of patients with delusional parasitosis. Our patients' demographic characteristics were similar to those in previously published case reports, but instead of being treated with older antipsychotics, they were all treated with atypical antipsychotic agents with favorable results. We will discuss the rationale for this treatment choice, and will review the role of serotonin/dopamine antagonists in the treatment of delusional parasitosis. We will also comment on the possible role of serotonergic antidepressants in the treatment of these patients.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 7.7653562677656keywords = delusional parasitosis, parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/9. delusional parasitosis associated with phenelzine.A woman developed delusional parasitosis when taking phenelzine. The delusion occurred in an agitated hypomanic state and was preceded by an intense pruritus. It completely remitted following withdrawal of phenelzine combined with a low dose of haloperidol (1 mg/day) for several days. This unusual psychopathology is probably encountered more by dermatologists than by mental health professionals.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 2.0608927112943keywords = delusional parasitosis, parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/9. Successful treatment of chronic delusional parasitosis.A case of delusional parasitosis is presented in which a patient with classic symptoms of six years' duration responded to pimozide. Similarly chronic cases may be responsive to pimozide.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 6.3044635564713keywords = delusional parasitosis, parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/9. delusions of parasitosis and other forms of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis. General discussion and case illustrations.In this article, the epidemiology and differential diagnosis of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis are discussed in detail. The use of pimozide is also discussed and illustrated with case reports. Delusional patients are some of the most challenging cases based in dermatologic practice. This challenge is so much easier to meet if one knows how to approach these patients and feels comfortable in the use of pimozide.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.8keywords = parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/9. delusional parasitosis: a practical guide for the family practitioner in evaluation and treatment strategies.delusional parasitosis (DP) is a psychiatric syndrome in which the patient falsely believes he or she is infested with parasites despite clear evidence to the contrary. patients with DP generally think that mites, lice, or other insects have invaded their skin and most frequently seek treatment from dermatologists or family practitioners. These patients are usually reluctant to seek psychiatric care or to accept a referral to a psychiatrist. This article provides a comprehensive biopsychosocial understanding of the complexities of DP and suggests a practical strategy for evaluation and treatment by the family practitioner. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs, such as pimozide, is discussed as is a treatment team approach involving a psychiatrist, dermatologist, and family practitioner.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |
9/9. delusions of ocular parasitosis.PURPOSE: To describe four cases of delusions of parasitosis in which self-inflicted ocular trauma occurred. delusions of parasitosis is a somatic delusional disorder in which patients have the irrational belief that their bodies are infested by parasites or other infectious organisms. Self-inflicted trauma can result from attempts to eliminate the supposed infestation. methods: We reviewed the case histories of four patients (one male, three females, 35 to 45 years of age) who presented with complaints of ocular infestation but had no evidence of infectious ocular disease. The characteristics of these cases were compared with the features of delusions of parasitosis. RESULTS: All patients maintained their beliefs regarding infestation, despite extensive clinical and laboratory investigations that found no evidence of infectious diseases. Self-inflicted eye injury, associated with attempts to eliminate the infestation, occurred in each case. CONCLUSIONS: The cases presented in this report are consistent with a diagnosis of delusions of parasitosis. The eye can be a principal focus of attention in this disorder, which may lead to vision loss caused by self-inflicted injury.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1.6keywords = parasitosis (Clic here for more details about this article) |