1
|
Mindru FM, Radu AF, Bumbu AG, Radu A, Bungau SG. Insights into the Medical Evaluation of Ekbom Syndrome: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2151. [PMID: 38396826 PMCID: PMC10889746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ekbom syndrome, also known as delusional parasitosis (DP) or delusional infestation, is an uncommon psychiatric disorder distinguished by an enduring conviction of parasitic infestation, persisting notwithstanding the presence of medical evidence to the contrary. Primarily affecting middle-aged women, DP can manifest either as isolated psychological distress or as a component within a more intricate psychiatric framework, substantially influencing the quality of life for affected individuals. Its pathophysiological mechanism involves uncertain dopaminergic imbalances and dysfunction in the dopamine transporter system. Dermatologists often play a pivotal role in diagnosis, as patients first seek dermatological assessments of their signs and symptoms. However, DP frequently originates from underlying psychiatric disorders or medical variables, manifesting with neurological and infectious causative factors. The diagnostic complexity is attributed to patients' resolute convictions, leading to delayed psychiatric intervention. First-line DP treatment involves antipsychotics, with newer agents demonstrating promising prospects, but the lack of standardized protocols poses a significant therapeutic challenge. In this narrative review, both a comprehensive approach to this uncommon pathology and an update on the state of knowledge in this medical subfield focused on optimizing the management of DP are provided. The complexity of DP underlying its uncommon nature and the incomplete understanding of its pathophysiology highlight the need for further research through multicenter studies and multidisciplinary teams to enhance therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florina Madalina Mindru
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
| | - Andrei-Flavius Radu
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
- Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Adrian Gheorghe Bumbu
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Ada Radu
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania; (F.M.M.); (A.R.); (S.G.B.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Castillo-Mariqueo L, Giménez-Llort L. Kyphosis and bizarre patterns impair spontaneous gait performance in end-of-life mice with Alzheimer's disease pathology while gait is preserved in normal aging. Neurosci Lett 2021; 767:136280. [PMID: 34601039 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The shorter life spans of mice provide an exceptional experimental gerontology scenario. We previously described increased bizarre (disruptive) behaviors in the 6-month-old 3xTg-AD mice model for Alzheimer's disease (AD), compared to C57BL/6J wildtype (NTg), when confronting new environments. In the present work, we evaluated spontaneous gait and exploratory activity at old age, using 16-month-old mice. Male sex was chosen since sex-dependent psychomotor effects of aging are stronger in NTg males than females and, at this age, male 3 × Tg-AD mice are close to an end-of-life status due to increased mortality rates. Mice's behavior was evaluated in a transparent test box during the neophobia response. Stretching, jumping, backward movements and bizarre circling were identified during the gait and exploratory activity. The results corroborate that in the face of novelty and recognition of places, old 3xTg-AD mice exhibit increased bizarre behaviors than mice with normal aging. Furthermore, bizarre circling and backward movements delayed the elicitation of locomotion and exploration, in an already frail scenario, as shown by highly prevalent kyphosis in both groups. Thus, the translational study of co-occurrence of psychomotor impairments and anxiety-like behaviors can be helpful for understanding and managing the progressive functional deterioration shown in aging, especially in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Castillo-Mariqueo
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lydia Giménez-Llort
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Ekbom's syndrome represents a relatively uncommon neuropsychiatric condition characterized by the recurrent and bizarre fixed delusional belief to be infested by small organisms or even unanimated materials ('Morgellons disease'), without any objective evidence of infestation/parasitosis. The condition, mainly diagnosed in a nonpsychiatric setting, is supposed to be largely underestimated and, hence, undermanaged. The present comprehensive review aims at investigating Ekbom's syndrome, from a historical, epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic perspective, by providing diagnostic-treatment strategies in managing this condition in routine psychiatric clinical settings. The prototypical patient is a middle-aged woman (or a younger subject in those cases in which substance and/or alcohol abuse is implicated), often single, divorced or widowed (loneliness component and social withdrawal), who has already consulted several specialists due to skin lesions associated with a firm and delusional belief to be infested. The identification and diagnosis are challenging due to poor patient's insight, poor knowledge and collaboration between specialists and differential diagnoses to be considered before asking for a psychiatric referral. Management and treatment strategies mainly derive from isolated case reports or observational studies with a small sample size. Further randomized clinical trials should be performed to evaluate the efficacy of newer antipsychotic drugs, including long-acting injectable formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Orsolini
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Alessia Gentilotti
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Giordani
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Umberto Volpe
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cipriani G, Nuti A, Danti S, Carlesi C, Cammisuli DM, Di Fiorino M. Uncommon and/or bizarre features of dementia: part IV. Acta Neurol Belg 2019; 119:535-540. [PMID: 31552557 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-019-01208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that the clinical picture of dementias is not clinically homogeneous. For example, non-amnestic presentations of Alzheimer's disease have been referred to as a typical variant. Careful examination of clinical characteristics contributes to understanding the neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and may in turn enhance knowledge of the potential risk factors involved. This study aimed at describing uncommon or bizarre symptoms/syndromes observed in patients suffering from dementia. Medline and Google scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2019. Search terms used included dementia, déjà vu, zoophilia, pathological lying, and somatic symptom disorder. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Uncommon/bizarre features of dementia were described as case reports and there were no systematic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Cipriani
- Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, via Aurelia, 55043, Lido di Camaiore, LU, Italy.
- Psychiatry Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, LU, Italy.
| | - Angelo Nuti
- Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, via Aurelia, 55043, Lido di Camaiore, LU, Italy
| | - Sabrina Danti
- Clinical and Health Psychology Unit, Hospital of Pontedera, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Cecilia Carlesi
- Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital, via Aurelia, 55043, Lido di Camaiore, LU, Italy
| | - David M Cammisuli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, Pisa University School of Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Background: Cotard syndrome is a rare condition whose main feature is a nihilistic delusion ranging from the denial of body parts to that of the existence of one's own life or even the entire universe. Objectives: The aim of this article is to review the nosological significance of Cotard syndrome and to explore the disorder among patients with dementia. Methods: Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published before 2018. Search terms used included Cotard delusion, Cotard syndrome and dementia, nihilistic delusion. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. Results and conclusion: In this narrative review we emphasise the fact that cases of Cotard syndrome involving patients with dementia are reported quite infrequently. Published studies are limited to very short series or isolated cases. Clinicians are obliged to treat the disorder. They should be alert to the potential high risk inherent in this condition. Keypoints Cotard syndrome is a rare condition characterised by nihilistic delusions that may range from negation of existence of parts of the body to delusion of being dead. The prevalence and incidence of this rare syndrome are not known. Since Cotard's syndrome is conceptualised as part of an underlying disorder, several psychiatric and somatic diseases have been associated with the syndrome. The syndrome may occur in patients suffering from dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Cipriani
- a Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital , Lido di Camaiore , Italy.,b Psychiatry Unit, Versilia Hospital , Lido di Camaiore , Italy
| | - Angelo Nuti
- a Neurology Unit, Versilia Hospital , Lido di Camaiore , Italy
| | - Sabrina Danti
- c Psychology Unit , Hospital of Pontedera , Pontedera , Italy
| | - Lucia Picchi
- d Psychology Unit , Hospital of Livorno , Livorno , Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cipriani G, Abdel-Gawad N, Danti S, Di Fiorino M. A Contagious Disorder: Folie à Deux and Dementia. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2018; 33:415-422. [PMID: 29772920 PMCID: PMC10852512 DOI: 10.1177/1533317518772060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folie à deux is a clinical condition that was first described in 19th century. It is a psychotic disorder in which two closely associated individuals share a similar delusional system. OBJECTIVES The aim of this article is to review the nosological significance of folie à deux and to explore the disorder among patients with dementia. METHODS Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2017. Search terms used included dementia, folie à deux, induced delusional disorder, neurocognitive disorders, shared psychotic disorder. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Cases of Folie à deux involving patients with dementia are reported quite infrequently. Most of the studies on the topic consist in case reports. Clinicians are obliged to treat the disorder. They should be alert to the potential high risk inherent this psychotic syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Cipriani
- Department of Neurology, Versilia Hospital, Lucca, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Versilia Hospital, Lucca, Italy
| | - Noha Abdel-Gawad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sabrina Danti
- Department of Neurology, Versilia Hospital, Lucca, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cipriani G, Danti S, Nuti A, Lucetti C, Di Fiorino M. Uncommon and/or bizarre features of dementia. Part II. Acta Neurol Belg 2018; 118:187-191. [PMID: 29569177 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-018-0913-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, clinicians have recognized that dementia may appear as atypical or variant syndromes, as well as the typical form. This study aimed at describing uncommon or bizarre symptoms/syndromes observed in patients suffering from dementia. Medline and Google scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2017. Search terms used included delusional jealousy, delusion of pregnancy, dementia, erotomania, folie à deux, and lycanthropy. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. The uncommon symptoms/syndromes were described as case reports and there were no systematic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Cipriani
- Department of Neurology, Versilia Hospital, Via Aurelia 335, 55041, Lido Di Camaiore, Italy.
- Department of Psychiatry, Versilia Hospital, Via Aurelia 335, 55041, Lido Di Camaiore, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Danti
- Clinical and Health Psychology Unit, Pontedera Hospital, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Angelo Nuti
- Department of Psychology, Pontedera Hospital, Via Roma 151, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Claudio Lucetti
- Department of Psychology, Pontedera Hospital, Via Roma 151, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Mario Di Fiorino
- Department of Psychiatry, Versilia Hospital, Via Aurelia 335, 55041, Lido Di Camaiore, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cipriani G, Nuti A, Danti S, Picchi L, Di Fiorino M. Uncommon and/or bizarre features of dementia: Part III. Acta Neurol Belg 2018; 118:211-216. [PMID: 29721853 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-018-0936-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Clinical neurologists have long recognized that dementia can present as atypical or variant syndromes/symptoms. This study aimed at describing uncommon or bizarre symptoms/syndromes observed in patients suffering from dementia. Medline and Google scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters, and books published before 2018. Search terms used included compulsion, dementia, extracampine hallucination, disordered gambling, humour, and obsession. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. The uncommon/bizarre feature of dementia was described as case reports and there were no systematic investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Cipriani
- Department of Neurology, Versilia Hospital, Via Aurelia, Lido di Camaiore, Camaiore, Italy.
- Department of Psychiatry, Versilia Hospital, Camaiore, Italy.
| | - Angelo Nuti
- Department of Neurology, Versilia Hospital, Via Aurelia, Lido di Camaiore, Camaiore, Italy
| | - Sabrina Danti
- Psychology Unit, Hospital of Pontedera, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Lucia Picchi
- Psychology Unit, Hospital of Livorno, Leghorn, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Old and dangerous: Prison and dementia. J Forensic Leg Med 2017; 51:40-44. [PMID: 28750353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Older prisoners are the fastest growing group of prisoners in many countries. The purpose of this study is to explore the phenomenon of detention of persons suffering from dementia. Medline searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published until August 2016. Search terms included dementia, elderly, prison and criminal. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references. As results, there is a lack of data about elderly with dementia in prisons. Given the rise in the average age, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the number of older prisoners is growing. Moreover, some elderly are imprisoned with a concomitant cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorder while others will develop such diseases once incarcerated. At the present time, legal and social systems seem unprepared to handle the phenomenon of dementia in prison. As proposal, health assessments for older first time offenders should become a practice inside the correctional facilities and include an evaluation for specific health issues, such as psychiatric comorbidity and cognitive impairment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cipriani G, Danti S, Carlesi C. Three men in a (same) boat: Alzheimer, Pick, Lewy. Historical notes. Eur Geriatr Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
11
|
D’Onofrio G, Panza F, Sancarlo D, Paris FF, Cascavilla L, Mangiacotti A, Lauriola M, Paroni GH, Seripa D, Greco A. Delusions in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Multidimensional Approach. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 51:427-37. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-150944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Grazia D’Onofrio
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Panza
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
- Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniele Sancarlo
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco F. Paris
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Leandro Cascavilla
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Mangiacotti
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Michele Lauriola
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giulia H. Paroni
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Davide Seripa
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Geriatric Unit & Laboratory of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
|