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The Diagnostic Workup, Screening, and Treatment Approaches for Patients with Delusional Infestation
Skyler Coetzee1, Chandrally Mahajan2, Katlein França3,4,5
1University of Miami/Holy Cross Health, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
Dermatology and Therapy
|October 23, 2023
Summary
Delusional infestation (DI) is a psychiatric disorder where patients falsely believe they are infested. This guide reviews diagnostic workup and treatment protocols for healthcare professionals managing DI.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Dermatology
- Medical Sciences
Background:
- Delusional infestation (DI) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a fixed, false belief of infestation.
- Patients often present with skin lesions and abnormal sensations, necessitating careful diagnosis.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to rule out other conditions and identify potential secondary causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive guide for clinicians on the workup and screening of delusional infestation.
- To review subsequent treatment protocols for managing adults with DI.
- To assist dermatologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating DI.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic workup including comprehensive history and physical examination.
- Consideration of laboratory workup based on clinical presentation.
- Discussion of management strategies, primarily focusing on antipsychotic medications.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic workup is essential for accurate diagnosis and to exclude other causes.
- Laboratory tests may be indicated depending on the clinical scenario.
- Antipsychotic medications are the mainstay of treatment for adults with DI.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of delusional infestation requires a thorough diagnostic approach.
- Treatment should be tailored to individual patient characteristics.
- This article serves as a clinical resource for healthcare professionals managing DI.
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