A Gut Feeling: Delusional Parasitosis

Aims: Delusional parasitosis, first described by Karl Ekbom in the 1930s, is a rare psychiatric disorder characterised by a persistent, false belief of parasitic infestation. The condition is typically classified into three categories: primary, secondary and organic. Primary delusional parasitosis a...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chris Joseph, Mario Lepore
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2025-06-01
Series:BJPsych Open
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056472425107369/type/journal_article
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Summary:Aims: Delusional parasitosis, first described by Karl Ekbom in the 1930s, is a rare psychiatric disorder characterised by a persistent, false belief of parasitic infestation. The condition is typically classified into three categories: primary, secondary and organic. Primary delusional parasitosis arises in the absence of any other psychiatric or medical condition, while secondary and organic forms are associated with underlying psychiatric disorders or organic diseases. Here, we present the case of a 50-year-old male with a history of crack cocaine use, previously unknown to mental health services, presenting to our drug treatment centre with delusions of infestation.
ISSN:2056-4724