ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of this case report is to highlight a rare case of delusion of parasitosis induced by heroin abuse. Methods: We report a case of a 44-yearold heroin addict who had the false and unshakeable belief of being infested by the African botfly. As a result of his belief, he resorted to various methods to rid himself of the insect such as picking his skin with a knife and burning his skin with a lighter. Result: He was diagnosed to be suffering from heroin induced psychotic disorder and was successfully treated with the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine. Conclusions: Heroin; an opiate which is not commonly known to cause psychosis was seen to have been the cause of the delusion of parasitosis suffered by our patient.
ABSTRACT
En el presente trabajo se da cuenta de la historia del síndrome delirante crónico conocido como "delirio de parasitosis o síndrome de Ekbom", sus principales características clínicas, evolutivas, la ubicación nosográfica y las estrategias terapéuticas utilizadas. Los hallazgos de la principal literatura publicada se comparan con la experiencia de los autores al haber estudiado doce pacientes portadores de esta sintomatología. Asimismo, se indaga acerca de la posible conexión con otros cuadros psicopatológicos, más específicamente con el espectro obsesivo-compulsivo.
In this paper, the history of the chronic delusional syndrome known as delusional parasitosis or Ekbom syndrome is reviewed as well as its main clinical characteristics, evolution, nosographic position and therapeutic approaches. The findings in the published literature are compared with the clinical experience of the authors who have studied twelve cases. The possible connection with other mental diseases, specifically Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum, is evaluated.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Delusions/psychology , Parasitic Diseases , Restless Legs Syndrome , Delusions/diagnosis , Delusions/therapy , Pimozide , Restless Legs Syndrome/diagnosis , Restless Legs Syndrome/therapyABSTRACT
We report a case of 64-year-old female patient who has had factitious skin lesions for 20 years. She complained formification sense and severe itching on her face. These symptoms were improved with squeezing and bleeding. There were scuare shaped ulcerated nodule on the right cheek and white depressed scar on the left cheek. She was treated with wet dressing and occlussive dressing, and skin lesions were nearly cleared within 3 weeks, but new lesion appeared. Pimozide 2mg #1 p.o were given under the diagnosis of delusion of parasitosis from June, 1984. Her symptoms were improved without recurrence till now. Treatment with pimozide in monosymptomatic hypochondriacal syndrome is discussed.