Delusions of intestinal parasitosis

Abstract

Delusions of parasitosis, though uncommon, are an important cause of distress for affected patients and frequently of frustration for their physicians. They occur primarily in middle-aged or older women, who have the delusional belief that they are infested with parasites. Although the vast majority of cases involve dermatologic manifestations, some patients may have delusions of intestinal infection, as illustrated by this case.