Suicide following an infestation of bed bugs

PATIENT Male, 62. FINAL DIAGNOSIS Bipolar disorder. SYMPTOMS Bordeline personality disorder. MEDICATION - CLINICAL PROCEDURE Bed bug infestation. SPECIALTY Psychiatry. OBJECTIVE Unusual clinical course. BACKGROUND In the past decade, bed bug infestations have been increasingly common in high income countries. Psychological consequences of these infestations are rarely examined in the scientific literature. CASE REPORT We present a case, based on a coroner's investigation report, of a woman with previous psychiatric morbidity who jumped to her death following repeated bed bug infestations in her apartment. Our case report shows that the bed bug infestations were the likely trigger for the onset a negative psychological state that ultimately led to suicide. CONCLUSIONS Given the recent surge in infestations, rapid action needs to be taken not only in an attempt to control and eradicate the bed bugs but also to adequately care for those infested by bed bugs.