A CASE REPORT ON DELUSIONAL PARASITOSIS

Delusional parasitosis is a rare psychotic illness characterized by an unshaken belief of having been infested by a parasite when one is not. It is also called Ekbom syndrome or delusional infestations.

Case:Mrs X a 55 years old married female, Hindu by religion, housewife belongingto lower socio-economic background came with complaints of itching sensation over scalp ,feelings of insect crawling under her skin, hair and into her genitals for one year. Gradually, her sleep was disturbed, decreased appetite, social isolation and impaired in her daily activities and then they first consulted dermatologist and subsequently referred to psychiatrist.Delusional parasitosis is an uncommon psychotic illness. Patients often report to dermatologists and physicians for treatment and are brought to psychiatric attention only for associated psychological distress. In such cases, a therapeutic process using antipsychotic treatment is necessary.