Delusional Parasitosis: Case Series of 8 Patients and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Delusional parasitosis (DP) is a condition in which a person has the unshakeable and mistaken belief of being infested with parasites. Patients and Methods: All patients with DP seen by the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital were reviewed. The case histories of 8 Chinese patients are discussed. Results: The patients with DP were predominantly women above 50 years of age, with medical co-morbidities and presented with a variety of symptoms and signs. The patients were prescribed various antipsychotics including the atypical antipsychotics. Response was variable, and the patients often defaulted follow-up. An approach to the management of DP is proposed together with a review of the literature.