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A Visual Guide for Studying Behavioral Defenses to Pathogen Attacks in Leaf-Cutting Ants
08:10

A Visual Guide for Studying Behavioral Defenses to Pathogen Attacks in Leaf-Cutting Ants

Published on: October 12, 2018

Delusional infestation.

Roland W Freudenmann1, Peter Lepping

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University of Ulm, Leimgrubenweg 12, 89075 Ulm, Germany. roland.freudenmann@uni-ulm.de

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|October 14, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Delusional infestation (DI), or delusional parasitosis, is a fixed belief of infestation despite no medical evidence. This paper provides diagnostic criteria and treatment pathways for this complex condition, recommending antipsychotics for primary DI.

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Visual Guide for Studying Behavioral Defenses to Pathogen Attacks in Leaf-Cutting Ants
08:10

A Visual Guide for Studying Behavioral Defenses to Pathogen Attacks in Leaf-Cutting Ants

Published on: October 12, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Dermatology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Delusional infestation (DI), also termed delusional parasitosis, involves a fixed, false belief of being infested with pathogens.
  • DI is not a singular disorder but can manifest as a primary somatic type delusional disorder or secondary to other conditions.
  • Patients often present to non-psychiatric specialists, posing interdisciplinary challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To familiarize clinicians with delusional infestation (DI).
  • To provide diagnostic criteria and classification for DI.
  • To outline clinical pathways for diagnosis and treatment of DI.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and clinical experience.
  • Development of minimal diagnostic criteria and a classification system.
  • Proposal of clinical pathways for diagnosis and etiology-specific treatment.

Main Results:

  • DI presents as a stable delusional theme of infestation, with perceived pathogens evolving over time.
  • Primary DI is best treated with antipsychotics; pimozide is no longer recommended due to safety concerns.
  • Specialized clinics integrating dermatology and psychiatry are proposed for optimal care.

Conclusions:

  • DI is an interdisciplinary challenge requiring integrated care approaches.
  • Engaging patients in psychiatric therapy is a significant hurdle.
  • Further research into DI pathophysiology, neural basis, and clinical trials is crucial.