Clinical presentation of delusion of parasitosis in a tertiary care center

Abstract

Background: Delusional parasitosis is a relatively uncommon psychiatric condition. Owing to its low prevalence there is limited research in this area. The present cross sectional study was conducted to study clinical presentation, belief and response of patients of delusion of parasitosis in a general hospital over a period of January 2017 to September 2017. Methods and Materials: 40 new patients who presented to psychiatry OPD with primary complaint of crawling sensation under skin were enrolled. Results: The delusion of parasitosis was seen more in females and those who were illiterate. The symptom was localized to the face or scalp. Dermatologist was the physician of contact for 59% of the patients. Comorbid depression and anxiety were also seen. Conclusion: The symptom of parasitosis was not uncommon but liaison with dermatologist is necessary for early diagnosis and management.

Keywords

• Delusion of parasitosis
• patient belief
• prevalence