Risperidone in the treatment of delusions of infestation

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the efficacy and safety of risperidone, in the treatment of delusions of infestation.

Method: The authors present a three-case series in which risperidone was used to treat delusions of infestation.

Results: All three patients responded to risperidone and experienced no extrapyramidal side effects. Two of our patients had failed treatment with haloperidol and another had failed treatment with pimozide.

Conclusion: Risperidone was an effective and safe treatment in three cases of delusions of infestation. It is possible that 5-HT2 antagonism is essential for therapeutic benefit in this condition.