Unusual Findings in Morgellons Disease and Delusions of Parasitosis
Michael Fellner *
Metropolitan Hospital, New York Medical College, 50 East 89th Street New York NY 10128, USA.
Margarita Israilova
East Tremont Medical Center, 930 East Tremont Av Bronx, New York, 10460, USA.
Adriana Lombardi
Metropolitan Hospital, New York Medical College, 50 East 89th Street New York NY 10128, USA.
Jennifer Leininger
Metropolitan Hospital, New York Medical College, 50 East 89th Street New York NY 10128, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
We are presenting four new cases of delusions of parasitosis, two of which also had features of Morgellons disease. This illustrates the difficulties in therapy of these patients having almost universal refusal to accept the psychiatric component. Two of the patients responded to treatment while two did not. Of the two responders one was lost to follow up. The recommended treatments of pimozide, lexapro, and risperdone are examined. These rare diseases continue to be a challenge to the dermatologic community.
Keywords: Delusions of parasitosis, morgellons disease, parasitosis treatment, psychodermatosis.