J Korean Med Sci.  2003 Jun;18(3):462-465. 10.3346/jkms.2003.18.3.462.

Delusional Parasitosis as 'Folie a Deux'

• Kim C
• Kim J
• Lee M
• Kang M

• KMID: 2157672
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2003.18.3.462

Abstract

Delusional parasitosis is characterized by the unshakeable belief of being infested with tiny (microscopic) insects. Patients spend much time trying to get rid of the bugs and suffer from these symptoms. Patients prefer to go to dermatologists because they have a strong conviction over the presence of a somatic disease and do not accept any psychiatric advice for their complaints. 'Folie a deux' or shared psychotic disorder (SPD) is a relatively rare syndrome, which has long attracted clinical attention. Delusional parasitosis is associated in 5-15% of SPD and can run within a family. We experienced delusional parasitosis as 'Folie a Deux' between a mother and her son and successfully treated them through early psychiatric intervention. We believe that attention should be drawn to DP with SPD.

Keyword

Delusions; Parasitic Diseases; Shared Paranoid Disorder

MeSH Terms

Adult
Delusions/*diagnosis/*psychology
Ectoparasitic Infestations/psychology
Female
Human
Male
Middle Aged
Paranoid Disorders/diagnosis/psychology
Shared Paranoid Disorder/*diagnosis/*psychology
Social Isolation