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Related Experiment Videos

Drug-induced Delusional Infestation.

Patrick M J H Kemperman1, Tristan V M Bruijn, Nienke C C Vulink

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam UMC location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. p.m.kemperman@amsterdamumc.nl.

Acta Dermato-Venereologica
|February 16, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Certain medications can cause delusional infestation, a condition linked to neurotransmitter changes. This review identifies 26 drug classes, with anti-Parkinson drugs being most common, and highlights dopamine alteration as a key factor.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Delusional infestation is a recognized condition, with anecdotal evidence suggesting drug induction.
  • However, a systematic understanding of the pharmacodynamics and specific drug classes involved is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and summarize current knowledge on drug-induced delusional infestation.
  • To identify drug classes associated with this condition and explore potential mechanisms of action.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted for primary studies on drugs suspected of inducing delusional infestation.
  • Systematic evaluation of included articles using the Naranjo criteria was performed.
  • Mechanisms of action for implicated drugs were compared.

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Main Results:

  • The review included 31 studies, identifying 26 distinct classes of drugs associated with delusional infestation.
  • Anti-Parkinson drugs were the most frequently implicated class.
  • Other commonly associated drug classes include antidepressants, antiepileptics, antibiotics, and prescription stimulants.

Conclusions:

  • Drug-induced delusional infestation appears to be initiated by alterations in central nervous system neurotransmitter levels.
  • Dopamine dysregulation is suggested as a primary mechanism.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the pharmacodynamics and guide clinical management.