AN APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHOGENIC PARASITOSIS

Background Patients with psychogenic parasitosis typically seek help f rom nonpsychiatric physicians and can be difficult and time-consuming to treat. Pimozide has been promoted as the treatment of choice but is not indicated for every patient presenting with this symptom. Our pur pose was to develop a realistic treatment protocol for the nonpsychiat ric physician faced with these patients.Methods Using what is known ab out this problem through review of the literature and our own experien ce with 20 patients, a practical treatment strategy is suggested. Resu lts It is proposed that dermatologists and primary care professionals seeing these patients determine (1) whether or not the patient's belie f in infestation is shakable and (2) whether or not the patient is dep ressed, in order to chose a therapeutic plan. Conclusions Dermatologis ts and psychiatrists can work together to develop treatment protocols that minimize risk and maximize therapy for patients with psychogenic parasitosis.