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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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2
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Gajbhiye A, Ali T, Aziz S, Singh P, Gandhi S, Chaudhury S, Patil J. Delusional parasitosis: A case series. Ind Psychiatry J 2023; 32:S258-S261. [PMID: 38370972 PMCID: PMC10871419 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_240_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Delusional parasitosis (DP) is an infrequent psychotic illness, where the patient has a false but firm belief that his body is infested with parasites. It can be primary or secondary. Usually, these patients consult nonpsychiatric specialties from where they are referred to psychiatry. The presentation of DP varies among patients, although it typically manifests as a crawling and pinpricking sensation. Hallucinations are commonly seen. Antipsychotics show good remission of symptoms. A series of seven cases of DP have been described, and the condition is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Gajbhiye
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tahoora Ali
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sadaf Aziz
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pratishtha Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shivang Gandhi
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suprakash Chaudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jaideep Patil
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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3
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Moulinec A. [Les demoiselles de Rochefort, or a clinical illustration of madness in pairs]. Soins Psychiatr 2023; 44:29-33. [PMID: 37743089 DOI: 10.1016/j.spsy.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Although folie à deux is a confidential entity that has disappeared from psychiatric textbooks and is disguised in current international classifications of mental disorders, which tend to obscure the fundamental notion of the dyad, recent case reports highlight the topicality of the disorder. The richness of the clinical encounter with twin sisters, presenting a common delusion of parasitic infestation, may prompt us to question the disorder differently, guided in particular by ancient writings and the analytic compass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Moulinec
- Hôpital d'instruction des armées Sainte-Anne, BCRM Toulon, 2 boulevard Sainte-Anne, BP 600, 83800 Toulon, France.
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4
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Mandari S, Aslan S, Deodatus S, Nyundo A. Delusional Infestation: A case of Ekbom syndrome in an elderly woman with a long history of HIV. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7044. [PMID: 36911646 PMCID: PMC9994137 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A 70-year-old female presented with a long history of HIV and 5 years of disturbing delusions of infestation that impaired her daily functioning. The delusions resolved with haloperidol but were followed by depressive symptoms. The case presents the complexity of managing neuropsychiatric manifestations of HIV/AIDS with comorbidities in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadiki Mandari
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry The University of Dodoma Dodoma Tanzania.,Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital Dodoma Tanzania
| | - Suluma Aslan
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry The University of Dodoma Dodoma Tanzania.,Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital Dodoma Tanzania
| | - Shani Deodatus
- Department of Dermatology Benjamin Mkapa Hospital Dodoma Tanzania
| | - Azan Nyundo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry The University of Dodoma Dodoma Tanzania.,Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital Dodoma Tanzania.,Department of Internal Medicine, Psychiatry Division Benjamin Mkapa Hospital Dodoma Tanzania
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5
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Romiti F, Magliano A, Del Lesto I, Filugelli L, Montarsi F, Carlin S, De Liberato C. Delusional parasitosis: an entomological perspective after a 20-years-experience in two public medical and veterinary entomology laboratories. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106614. [PMID: 35872007 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Delusional parasitosis (DP) is psychiatric disorder characterized by the unshakeable belief of being infested by endo- or ectoparasites, without any evidence of infestations. Hence, DP sufferers often consult medical entomologists or dermatologists, rather than seeking help from a mental health practitioner. Here we present 39 cases of suspected DP occurred in twenty years in two Italian public medical entomology laboratories, to highlight their common features and peculiarities, based on the interviews and material brought to our laboratories. Our results confirmed that DP affects both sexes, but is more frequent in females over the age of 50 years. Cases of psychological contagion, mostly affecting elderly people, were reported within seven family units. Some rare or unique features of DP sufferers involved: the fixed belief to be infested by endoparasites, olfactory hallucinations of unpleasant smell, self-harm to get rid of the imaginary parasite and suicidal thoughts. We suggest the term "Digital pics sign" to describe a modern derivative of the "Matchbox sign", where the DP sufferers showed pictures and videos, in person or sent by email, as proofs of being infested. Medical entomologists, being the most frequently contacted professionals by DP sufferers, may be crucial to raise awareness about this psychological disorder and to encourage a multidisciplinary approach amongst medical professionals and pest control operators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Romiti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, M. Aleandri, Via Appia nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome (RM), Italy
| | - Adele Magliano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, M. Aleandri, Via Appia nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome (RM), Italy
| | - Irene Del Lesto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, M. Aleandri, Via Appia nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome (RM), Italy.
| | - Lorena Filugelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Sara Carlin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, M. Aleandri, Via Appia nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome (RM), Italy
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Taomoto D, Kanemoto H, Satake Y, Yoshiyama K, Iwase M, Hashimoto M, Ikeda M. Case report: Delusional infestation in dementia with Lewy bodies. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1051067. [PMID: 36440429 PMCID: PMC9686401 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1051067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delusional infestation is characterized by delusions of being infested with parasites, vermin, or small insects and is frequently accompanied by tactile and visual hallucinations. Herein, we report two cases of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) with delusional infestation. CASE PRESENTATION Case 1 was an 83-year-old man. At the age of 75, he began to show symptoms of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. At the age of 83, he began to complain of visual hallucinations of people and delusional infestation with tactile and visual hallucinations of insects, resulting in the use of insecticides for non-existent insects. He also complained of mild amnesia and was admitted to our psychiatric ward for evaluation and treatment. After admission, the delusional infestation disappeared without any new medication. Based on our examinations, he was diagnosed with probable DLB with delusional infestation. He was treated with 5 mg/day of donepezil hydrochloride; his visual and tactile hallucinations disappeared, and the delusional infestation had not recurred at the 1-year follow-up. Case 2 was a 69-year-old woman. At the age of 60, she underwent clipping for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). At the age of 65, she began to have visual hallucinations of people. At the age of 67, she began to complain of visual illusions in which she mistook lint for insects. At the age of 69, she developed delusional infestation and mild amnesia. She took various actions to get rid of these non-existent insects, including insecticide use, consulting an exterminator, and visiting several dermatologists. She eventually burnt her leg in an attempt to kill the non-existent insects. Based on our examinations, she was diagnosed with prodromal DLB in addition to SAH sequelae. We determined that her delusional infestation was caused by DLB rather than SAH sequelae based on the course of her symptoms. She was treated with a combination of 3 mg/day of donepezil hydrochloride and 12.5 mg/day of quetiapine. Thereafter, the delusional infestation partially improved, and she took no further action against non-existent insects. CONCLUSION Delusional infestation may be caused by DLB. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) may be effective for delusional infestation in DLB, although antipsychotics may also be needed in severe cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Taomoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hideki Kanemoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Yuto Satake
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kenji Yoshiyama
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masao Iwase
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Mamoru Hashimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Manabu Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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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.
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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
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8
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Abstract
Ekbom Syndrome, also known as parasitosis delusion or psychogenic parasitosis, is
a rare condition in which patients present with a fixed belief of being infested
by parasites, vermin or small insects, along with tactile hallucinations (such
as pruritus or sensations of the parasites crawling over or under the skin). The
syndrome may occur idiopathically or be associated with other medical conditions
and drug use. This case report describes the occurrence of Ekbom syndrome in a
patient diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a neurodegenerative disease
that commonly presents with sensory perception and thought disorders and other
neuropsychiatric symptoms. Although visual hallucination is considered a core
diagnostic criterion, other modalities of psychiatric symptoms can also occur
posing a further challenge for correct diagnosis. Proper recognition allows
early diagnosis and adequate treatment, preventing hazardous antipsychotic use
in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felippe José Pontes de Mendonça
- Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ivan Abdalla Teixeira
- Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valeska Marinho
- Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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9
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Abstract
Delusional parasitosis, also known as delusional infestation or Ekbom syndrome, is a relatively infrequent psychotic disorder characterized by an unwavering false belief that there is a parasitic infestation of the skin, despite the absence of any medical evidence that could support this claim. Delusional parasitosis can be categorized into primary, secondary, and organic forms. Sometimes, close relatives also experience identical delusions. This phenomenon was reported to occur in 5-15% of cases, and is known as shared psychotic disorder-delusional parasitosis with folie à deux. Patients with delusional parasitosis frequently seek help from many physicians. Close multidisciplinary cooperation between clinicians is often key to shortening the time taken to diagnose this disorder. Initiation of psychopharmacological therapy is a challenge, as many patients refuse any psychiatric treatment because of the stigma associated with mental illness and because of their firm belief that they have a parasitic infestation, not a psychiatric condition. For many patients, a sense of a lack of understanding leads to isolation and the development of depression symptoms, which is why it is crucial to earn the trust of such patients while taking care of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Reich
- Uniwersytet Rzeszowski, Rzeszow, Poland.
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10
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Garcia-Mingo A, Dawood N, Watson J, Chiodini PL. Samples From Cases of Delusional Parasitosis as Seen in the UK Parasitology Reference Laboratory (2014-2015). Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz440. [PMID: 31660383 PMCID: PMC6810309 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Delusional parasitosis is a common syndrome seen in Infectious Diseases clinics. These patients characteristically provide samples as evidence of their infestation. We prospectively catalogued and characterized 138 samples from these patients, processed in the UK Clinical Parasitology reference laboratory from January 2014 to April 2015. No human parasites were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N Dawood
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospital
| | - J Watson
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - P L Chiodini
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Ait Boudaoud A, Rives-Lange C, Radu A, Rubin F, Carette C, Barsamian C, Czernichow S. A 78-Year-Old Man With Historical Goiter. J Endocr Soc 2018; 2:290-292. [PMID: 29600295 PMCID: PMC5838822 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amel Ait Boudaoud
- Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital European Georges Pompidou (AP-HP), Paris, France.,University Paris V Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Claire Rives-Lange
- Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital European Georges Pompidou (AP-HP), Paris, France.,University Paris V Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Alina Radu
- Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital European Georges Pompidou (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - François Rubin
- Otorinolaryngology and Surgery Department, Hospital European Georges Pompidou (AP-HP), Paris, France.,University Paris V Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Claire Carette
- Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital European Georges Pompidou (AP-HP), Paris, France.,University Paris V Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Charles Barsamian
- Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital European Georges Pompidou (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Sebastien Czernichow
- Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital European Georges Pompidou (AP-HP), Paris, France.,University Paris V Descartes, Paris, France
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12
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Berhili N, Bout A, Hlal H, Aarab C, Aalouane R, Rammouz I. [Nosographic considerations on delusional parasitosis based on three clinical observations]. Pan Afr Med J 2016; 24:130. [PMID: 27642468 PMCID: PMC5012770 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2016.24.130.6512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ekbom syndrome or delusional parasitosis is a rare disease characterized by the unwavering conviction of having cutaneous infestation of insects or parasites. This is a monothematic delusion of hallucinatory origin that typically affects older women. We report the case of three patients with delusional parasitosis in different clinical settings. The first patient suffered from isolated delusional parasitosis corresponding to the condition described by Karl Ekbom. The second case suffered from secondary delusional parasitosis, occurring in the setting of leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Lastly, the third patient appeared in a state which was evocative of a depressive episode with psychotic symptom integrating delusional parasitosis. These three clinical vignettes perfectly illustrate the trans-nosographic dimension of this syndrome and the difficulties in treating these patients, both in terms of therapeutic alliance and of choice of pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Berhili
- Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Service de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hassan II, 30000 Fès, Maroc
| | - Amine Bout
- Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Service de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hassan II, 30000 Fès, Maroc
| | - Hayat Hlal
- Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Service de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hassan II, 30000 Fès, Maroc
| | - Chadya Aarab
- Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Service de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hassan II, 30000 Fès, Maroc
| | - Rachid Aalouane
- Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Service de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hassan II, 30000 Fès, Maroc
| | - Ismail Rammouz
- Université Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Service de Psychiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hassan II, 30000 Fès, Maroc
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13
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Munoz H, Bayona L. [ Ekbom syndrome: apropos of a case]. Rev Colomb Psiquiatr 2015; 44:61-65. [PMID: 26578220 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Ekbom syndrome or delusional parasitosis is an uncommon psychiatric condition, in which the main symptom is the delusion of being infested with living organisms such as parasites, bacteria, virus, bugs or worms. The case is presented of a 34 year-old man with symptoms compatible with the syndrome. The available literature is briefly reviewed and theoretical correlation with clinical symptomatology is made. The patient had a primary and mixed Ekbom syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold Munoz
- Médico especialista en Psiquiatría, Profesor asistente, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Liliana Bayona
- Médico Residente II de Psiquiatría, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia
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14
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with delusional parasitosis (DP) have a fixed belief of being infested by small pathogens. Typical and atypical antipsychotics are widely used for treating DP. There are limited controlled trials about the treatment of DP and the most useful antipsychotic agent is still unknown. Paliperidone treatment for DP will be demonstrated through two cases. One of these cases had previously used pimozide but had not responded to treatment. Both cases had remission from symptoms with paliperidone. There are only two case reports published about paliperidone treatment for DP. CONCLUSION Paliperidone appears to have promise in the treatment of DP; however, more case reports and controlled trials are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ercan Altınöz
- Ankara Penal Institution Campus State Hospital, Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | | | - Behçet Coşar
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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