Two Cases of Gastrointestinal Delusional Parasitosis Presenting as Folie á Deux

Authors

Rinad Deena Tabbalat MD, Baystate HealthFollow
Nicolas Cal DO, Baystate HealthFollow
Kavya Mayigegowda MD, Baystate HealthFollow
David Desilets MD, Baystate HealthFollow

Author Department

Internal Medicine; Gastroenterology; Medicine

Document Type

Article, Peer-reviewed

Publication Date

8-2019

Abstract

Delusional parasitosis is a psychiatric illness in which patients believe that they are infested by parasites without any evidence to support this belief. Cases typically involve cutaneous manifestations. We present 2 cases of gastrointestinal delusional parasitosis, with one unfortunate fatal outcome. Our main goal is to highlight the importance of early recognition of this disease to facilitate appropriate management. Delusional infestation is considered a somatic delusional disorder, and first-line treatment involves the use of atypical antipsychotics, as recommended by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition.

Recommended Citation

Tabbalat RR, Cal NV, Mayigegowda KK, Desilets DJ. Two Cases of Gastrointestinal Delusional Parasitosis Presenting as Folie á Deux. ACG Case Rep J. 2019 Aug 23;6(8):e00183.

PMID

31737714