Adverse psychocutaneous effects of prescription stimulant use and abuse: A systematic review

Although rare, psychocutaneous disorders induced by prescription stimulants have been reported throughout the literature. A systematic review was conducted to identify all case reports and case series of prescription stimulant-induced trichotillomania, tactile hallucinations, and delusional infestation. A total of 22 case reports were identified and relevant information was analyzed. Patients presenting with trichotillomania and tactile hallucinations induced by prescription stimulants were typically pediatric male patients being treated for attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the offending medication. Patients presenting with delusional infestation secondary to stimulant use or abuse were typically adults who were misusing or abusing stimulant medication. Although symptoms typically improved or resolved after decreasing or discontinuing medication, several patients required the use of antipsychotic medication. While the observational nature of case reports and small number of patients limits meaningful analysis of trends and comparison, this study demonstrates that physicians, especially dermatologists and psychiatrists, should be aware of the potential for prescription stimulants to precipitate adverse psychocutaneous disorders in a minority of individuals.