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Sanrısal Parazitoz Tanı ve Tedavisinde Güncel Gelişmeler: Bir Gözden Geçirme

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 3, 161 - 174, 31.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.33713/egetbd.1811048

Abstract

Sanrısal parazitoz (SP), bireyin deri ya da mukozalarında parazit, böcek veya benzeri organizmaların bulunduğuna dair sarsılmaz inançla karakterize, nadir ancak klinik açıdan oldukça karmaşık bir psikotik bozukluktur. Hastalık genellikle yoğun kaşıntı, dokunsal halüsinasyonlar ve “kibrit kutusu işareti” olarak tanımlanan sahte kanıt sunumlarıyla ortaya çıkar. Hastaların dermatoloji ve enfeksiyon hastalıkları gibi branşlara tekrarlayan başvurularda bulunması, buna karşın psikiyatrik değerlendirmeyi reddetmesi tanıda gecikmeye ve sekonder cilt lezyonları, işlev kaybı ve sosyal izolasyon gibi ciddi sonuçlara yol açabilir. SP çoğunlukla ileri yaşta ve özellikle kadınlarda görülür; bazı olgularda paylaşılan sanrısal bozukluk (folie à deux) şeklinde de seyredebilir. Primer SP’de altta yatan bir psikiyatrik ya da organik neden bulunmazken, sekonder form depresyon, demans, Parkinson hastalığı, madde kullanımı ve bazı ilaçlarla ilişkilidir. Etiyopatogenezde dopaminerjik sistemde bozulma ve somatik uyaranların yanlış yorumlanması önemli rol oynar. Tanı, gerçek paraziter enfestasyonların dışlanması ve psikiyatrik değerlendirmenin birlikte yürütülmesiyle konur. Tedavide ikinci kuşak antipsikotikler (risperidon, aripiprazol, olanzapin) ön plandadır; Bilişsel Davranışçı Terapi (BDT) tedaviye uyumu ve içgörüyü artırabilir. Multidisipliner yaklaşım, empatik iletişim ve güvene dayalı terapötik ilişki, SP yönetiminin temelini oluşturur. Bu derleme, klinik zorlukları ve güncel tanı-tedavi stratejilerini özetleyerek sağlık profesyonellerine bütüncül bir bakış açısı sunmayı amaçlamaktadır.

Ethical Statement

Makale derleme türünde olduğu için etik kurul onayı gerekmemektedir.

Supporting Institution

Herhangi bir kurum veya kuruluştan mali destek alınmamıştır.

References

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Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Delusional Parasitosis: A Review

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 3, 161 - 174, 31.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.33713/egetbd.1811048

Abstract

Delusional parasitosis (DP) is a rare yet clinically challenging psychotic disorder characterized by the unwavering belief that parasites, insects, or similar organisms inhabit the skin or mucosal surfaces. The condition typically manifests with intense pruritus, tactile hallucinations, and the submission of pseudoevidence, commonly referred to as the “matchbox sign.” Patients frequently present to dermatology or infectious diseases clinics while persistently declining psychiatric evaluation, which may delay diagnosis and result in secondary skin lesions, functional impairment, and social withdrawal. DP is more commonly observed in older individuals, particularly women, and may occasionally occur as shared psychotic disorder (folie à deux). The disorder is classified into primary and secondary forms: primary DP lacks identifiable psychiatric or organic etiologies, whereas secondary DP is associated with depression, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, substance use, and certain medications. Pathophysiologically, dysregulation within the dopaminergic system and the misinterpretation of somatic stimuli are considered central mechanisms. Diagnosis requires the exclusion of true parasitic infestation and the integration of dermatological and psychiatric assessments. Second-generation antipsychotics, including risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine, constitute first-line pharmacological therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may further enhance insight and adherence. A multidisciplinary approach, empathetic communication, and a strong therapeutic alliance are essential to successful management. This review synthesizes current evidence on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of DP, aiming to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive and clinically relevant overview of this complex condition.

Ethical Statement

Since this is a review article, ethics committee approval is not required.

Supporting Institution

No financial support was received from any institution or organization.

References

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  • 2. McPhie M L, Kirchhof M G. A systematic review of antipsychotic agents for primary delusional infestation. J Dermatol Treat. 2022; 33: 709-721.
  • 3. Mindru F M, Radu A-F, Bumbu A G, Radu A, Bungau S G. Insights into the Medical Evaluation of Ekbom Syndrome: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci. 2024; 25: 2151.
  • 4. Mumcuoglu K Y, Leibovici V, Reuveni I, Bonne O. Delusional Parasitosis: Diagnosis and Treatment. 2018
  • 5. Reich A, Kwiatkowska D, Pacan P. Delusions of Parasitosis: An Update. Dermatol Ther. 2019; 9: 631-638.
  • 6. Kemperman P M J H, Bruijn T V M, Vulink N C C, Mulder M M C. Drug-induced Delusional Infestation. Acta Derm Venereol. 2022; 102: adv00663.
  • 7. Marquez-Grap G, Kranyak A, Brownstone N, Koo J. Can pimozide kill parasites? Surprisingly, the most honest answer is ‘yes’. J Dermatol Treat. 2025; 36(1).
  • 8. Torales J, García O, Barrios I, ve ark. Delusional infestation: Clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020; 19: 3183-3188.
  • 9. Mendelsohn A, Sato T, Subedi A, Wurcel A G. State-of-the- Art Review: Evaluation and Management of Delusional Infestation. Clin Infect Dis. 2024; 79: e1-e10.
  • 10. O’Connell J E, Jackson H J. Delusional infestation: the case for improved mental state testing. Australas Psychiatry. 2016; 24: 462-465.
  • 11. WILSON J W, MILLER H E. DELUSION OF PARASITOSIS (Acarophobia). Arch Dermatol Syphilol. 1946; 54: 39-56.
  • 12. Freudenmann R W, Lepping P. Delusional Infestation. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2009; 22: 690-732.
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  • 16. Freudenmann R W, Kühnlein P, Lepping P, Schönfeldt-Lecuona C. Secondary delusional parasitosis treated with paliperidone. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009; 34: 375-377.
  • 17. Koo J, Lee C S. Delusions of Parasitosis: A Dermatologist??s Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2001; 2: 285-290.
  • 18. Hirjak D, Huber M, Kirchler E, ve ark. Cortical features of distinct developmental trajectories in patients with delusional infestation. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2017; 76: 72-79.
  • 19. Huber M, Kirchler E, Karner M, Pycha R. Delusional parasitosis and the dopamine transporter. A new insightof etiology? Med Hypotheses. 2007; 68: 1351-1358.
  • 20. Huber M, Karner M, Kirchler E, Lepping P, Freudenmann R W. Striatal lesions in delusional parasitosis revealed by magnetic resonance imaging. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2008; 32: 1967- 1971.
  • 21. Freudenmann R W, Kölle M, Huwe A, ve ark. Delusional infestation: Neural correlates and antipsychotic therapy investigated by multimodal neuroimaging. ProgNeuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2010; 34: 1215- 1222.
  • 22. Wolf R C, Huber M, Depping M S, ve ark. Abnormal gray and white matter volume in delusional infestation. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2013; 46: 19-24.
  • 23. Beuerlein K G, Balogh E A, Feldman S R. Morgellons disease etiology and therapeutic approach: a systematic review. Dermatol Online J. 2021; 27(8).
  • 24. Barsky A J, Borus J F. Functional Somatic Syndromes. Ann Intern Med. 1999; 130: 910-921.
  • 25. Flann S, Shotbolt J, Kessel B, ve ark. Three cases of delusional parasitosis caused by dopamine agonists: Delusional parasitosis caused by dopamine agonists. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2010; 35: 740-742.
  • 26. Kidder G W, Montgomery C W. Oxygenation of frog gastric mucosa in vitro. Am J Physiol. 1975; 229: 1510-1513.
  • 27. Garcia-Mingo A, Dawood N, Watson J, Chiodini P L. Samples From Cases of Delusional Parasitosis as Seen in the UK Parasitology Reference Laboratory (2014–2015). Open Forum Infect Dis. 2019; 6: ofz440.
  • 28. Maher S, Hallahan B, Flaherty G. Itching for a diagnosis - A travel medicine perspective on delusional infestation. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2017; 18: 70-72.
  • 29. Troublesome disguises: Managing challenging disorders in psychiatry. 2014
  • 30. Lee W R. MATCHBOX SIGN. The Lancet. 1983; 322: 457-458.
  • 31. Wykoff R F. Delusions of Parasitosis: A Review. Clin Infect Dis. 1987; 9: 433-437.
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There are 98 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Subjects Clinical Sciences (Other), Mental Health Services
Journal Section Review
Authors

Yusuf İslam Eren 0009-0001-0991-7195

Çiçek Hocaoğlu 0000-0001-6613-4317

Submission Date October 26, 2025
Acceptance Date December 8, 2025
Publication Date December 31, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 8 Issue: 3

Cite

EndNote Eren Yİ, Hocaoğlu Ç (December 1, 2025) Sanrısal Parazitoz Tanı ve Tedavisinde Güncel Gelişmeler: Bir Gözden Geçirme. Ege Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi 8 3 161–174.

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