Delusional infestation: Two case reports. (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peixoto, C.; Rego, D.; Bicho, M.; Coelho, J. Mendes; Medeiros, H.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 64:Supplement 1(2021)
• Page Start: S768
• Page End: S768
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: Delusional Infestation -- Delusional parasitosis -- Ekbom syndrome; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.2034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Delusional infestation (DI), also known as delusional parasitosis or Ekbom syndrome, is a rare disorder, characterised by fixed belief that the skin, body or immediate environment is infested by small pathogens, despite the lack of any medical evidence for it. Objectives: To describe and discuss two clinical cases of DI, in order to show two different ways of presenting in this entity. Methods: Two case report and non-systematic review. Results: We present the case of a 76-year-old woman, without psychiatric history, with an DI with 5 years of evolution, referred to a psychiatric consultation by a dermatologist. The second case, is a 41-year-old woman with a history of multiple substance use disorder, with an DI with a month of evolution, who resorted to the emergency department. DI is not a single diagnostic entity. The classic form, as represented in the first case, is a primary form, which develops without any known cause or underlying disease, corresponding to a persistent delusional disorder. However, about 60% of patients have secondary forms of DI, in the context of substance misuse, some medications or in the course of physical or psychiatric diseases (e.g. stroke, delirium, dementia, depression, schizophrenia). Conclusions: DI can occur as a primary delusional disorder or secondary to several other medical conditions. An in-depth clinical history is essential in order to make the correct diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach is also important, to exclude any possible organic etiology, not forgetting that many patients may turn to other medical specialities first. Disclosure: No significant relationships.