Delusions of infestation treated by pimozide: A double-blind crossover clinical study

Abstract

Eleven patients with delusions of infestation were treated with pimozide using a double-blind crossover technique. Ten out of 11 patients improved. The investigation showed significant relief of itch and delusions during pimozide treatment. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) points decreased significantly. Adverse effects were few but 2 patients showed dose-related depressive reactions during treatment. Pimozide treatment of patients with delusions of infestation should be entrusted to dermatologists, because these patients with delusions differ from most patients attending psychiatric clinics in that they have a monosymptomatic hypochondrial psychosis.