Korean J Dermatol.
2015 Mar;53(3):217-221.
Management of Delusions of Parasitosis in Dermatology: A 3-year Retrospective Study of 32 Cases
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Dermatology, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. bkcho@catholic.ac.kr
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
Delusions of parasitosis (DOP) is a psychiatric disorder in which patients have a fixed, false belief that they are infested by parasites. Management of patients with DOP presents a challenge to dermatologists, because such patients usually refuse to see a psychiatrist.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations and responses to treatment in DOP patients.
METHODS
Between January 2010 and December 2012, the medical records of 32 DOP patients were reviewed to obtain data on clinical presentation, family history, accompanied psychiatric disorders, and treatments.
RESULTS
The male-to-female ratio was 1:4.3. Twenty-two patients (68.8%) had symptoms for over 6 months. Seven patients (21.9%) had apparent skin lesions. Eighteen patients (56.3%) had a positive specimen sign. Three patients had depression, 4 had insomnia, and 2 had other delusional disorders. Eight patients (25%) reported that their family members were also experiencing itching. Six patients underwent skin biopsies, the results of which were consistent with chronic dermatitis. With pimozide treatment, 6 patients (18.8%) achieved complete remission, 17 (53.1%) showed a partial response, and 9 (28.1%) showed no response.
CONCLUSION
Because DOP patients depend on dermatologists for treatment, it is crucial for dermatologists to be prepared for the proper management of this condition. This study expands our understanding of the disease and suggests the optimal methods of treatment. Further studies on socioeconomic data and selection of effective antipsychotics are needed.
