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Treatments for primary delusional infestation
Iyas Assalman1, Alia Ahmed2, Randa Alhajjar3
1East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|December 11, 2019
Summary
No studies were found to evaluate treatments for primary delusional infestation (DI). More research is needed to determine effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological options for this psychiatric disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Dermatology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Primary delusional infestation (DI) is a psychiatric disorder with delusions and tactile sensations.
- Its pathophysiology remains unclear, and treatment options are diverse.
- DI presents a significant disease burden, frequently diagnosed by dermatologists and psychiatrists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of various treatments for primary delusional infestation (DI).
Main Methods:
- Searched trial registries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to March 2019.
- Included RCTs focusing on adult primary DI treatment.
- Two reviewers independently screened studies.
Main Results:
- No eligible studies were identified for inclusion in the review.
- There is a lack of randomized controlled trials comparing treatments for primary DI.
Conclusions:
- No evidence exists from RCTs to support or refute treatments for primary delusional infestation.
- Conclusions on the effectiveness of pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions cannot be drawn.
- Urgent need for robust randomized trials in the treatment of primary DI.
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