Brexpiprazole for a Patient with Ekbom Syndrome with Intolerable Side Effect of Aripiprazol

Abstract

Ekbom’s syndrome (ES), also referred to as delusional parasitosis, is a psychiatric disorder that is relatively uncommon. It is characterized by a robust and unwavering belief in infestation despite the absence of predominant hallucinations or formal thought disorders. Ekbom syndrome presents in 2 main forms: primary, marked by delusions and abnormal tactile sensations; and secondary, where symptoms arise due to another underlying organic condition. In primary ES, the therapeutic approach primarily relies on antipsychotic (AP) medications. This article presents a case with primary ES showing that atypical APs with aripiprazole and brexpiprazole effectively treat this disease. Brexpiprazole, compared to aripiprazole, induced less tremor and akathisia in the case report, suggesting it might be more suitable for treating this condition.