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Published on: September 6, 2011
Delusions of parasitosis
1Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, and Sacramento VA Medical Center, Sacramento, California 95816, USA. chaisue@yahoo.com
Dermatologic Therapy
|March 6, 2008
Summary
Delusions of parasitosis is a rare psychiatric condition where patients believe they are infested with parasites, often seeking dermatologic care. Newer antipsychotics offer a safer alternative to traditional treatments like pimozide.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Delusions of parasitosis (DOP) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a fixed, false belief of infestation.
- Patients typically present to dermatologists, resisting psychiatric referrals due to their conviction of a physical ailment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the management of delusions of parasitosis.
- To discuss the role of emerging atypical antipsychotics as a safer treatment option.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of delusions of parasitosis treatment.
- Analysis of traditional and emerging antipsychotic therapies.
Main Results:
- Pimozide, a traditional antipsychotic, is effective but associated with significant adverse effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms.
- Atypical antipsychotics present a promising alternative with a potentially improved safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Managing delusions of parasitosis requires addressing the patient's delusional beliefs and establishing therapeutic rapport.
- Atypical antipsychotics are emerging as a viable treatment option for delusions of parasitosis, offering a better safety profile than traditional agents.
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