Delusional infestation is a condition where an individual has a firmly fixed false belief that they have an infection. This condition challenges the specialist who must diligently rule out the presence of a true infection. This article aims to provide the diagnosis and management of patients with a delusional infestation.
Delusional infestation is a condition where an individual has a firmly fixed false belief that they are infested with an infectious agent. It is preferred to the narrower term of delusional parasitosis as patients may report being affected by a range of nondescript or specific vermin, insects, parasites, fungi, bacteria, or viruses.While the delusional symptomatology may include any body system, most frequently patients will report formication or sensations of movement or other phenomena associated with the skin. While it is not uncommon for individuals from time to…
