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. 2023 Nov;32(Suppl 1):S258-S261.
doi: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_240_23. Epub 2023 Nov 30.

Delusional parasitosis: A case series

Akanksha Gajbhiye  1 , Tahoora Ali  1 , Sadaf Aziz  1 , Pratishtha Singh  1 , Shivang Gandhi  1 , Suprakash Chaudhury  1 , Jaideep Patil  1
Affiliations

Delusional parasitosis: A case series

Akanksha Gajbhiye et al. Ind Psychiatry J. 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Delusional parasitosis (DP) is an infrequent psychotic illness, where the patient has a false but firm belief that his body is infested with parasites. It can be primary or secondary. Usually, these patients consult nonpsychiatric specialties from where they are referred to psychiatry. The presentation of DP varies among patients, although it typically manifests as a crawling and pinpricking sensation. Hallucinations are commonly seen. Antipsychotics show good remission of symptoms. A series of seven cases of DP have been described, and the condition is briefly discussed.

Keywords: Delusional disorder; Ekbom syndrome; delusional infestation; psychosis; tactile hallucinations.

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