Delusion of parasitosis: a report of ten cases at Srinagarind Hospital

Ten patients with delusion of parasitosis who attended the psychiatric service at Srinagarind Hospital from August 1st 1981 to May 31st 1988 were analysed and discussed. Males and females were equally affected. Their ages were between early adulthood and late adulthood. Most of them were or had been married and were economically independent. Their symptoms appeared chronic and they tended to refuse psychiatric treatment. The dermatologist and general practitioner from whom the patients are most likely to seek treatment are reasonable to treat these patients. Haloperidol, a widely available neuroleptic, seems to relieve the symptom, enabling the patient to live comfortably.