Delusional parasitosis: case series of 8 patients and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION Delusional parasitosis (DP) is a condition in which a person has the unshakeable and mistaken belief of being infested with parasites. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients with DP seen by the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital were reviewed. The case histories of 8 Chinese patients are discussed. RESULTS The patients with DP were predominantly women above 50 years of age, with medical co-morbidities and presented with a variety of symptoms and signs. The patients were prescribed various antipsychotics including the atypical antipsychotics. Response was variable, and the patients often defaulted follow-up. An approach to the management of DP is proposed together with a review of the literature.