Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology. 2014; 3(3):(121-368)


Delusional parasitosis presenting as “Folie a Famille”: Case report

Selma Bozkurt Zincir, Serap Karakoç2, Serkan Zincir

Abstract

Delusional parasitosis (DP), which is also known as Ekbom syndrome, is a rare delusional disorder where the patient is convinced of being infested with worms, insects, parasites or bacteria, while no objective evident exist to support this belief. Because patients believe that the disorder is due to the physical cause, they usually apply dermatologists or family practitioners for treatment at first, and referred to psychiatrists after their symptoms become more prominent. Somatic delusion is shared with one or more members of a family (folie a deux-trois) or by all members of the family (“folie a familie”) in 5-15% of DP cases. Today, second generation (atypical) anti-psychotics are used in the treatment. In this paper, a primary case of DP presenting as shared psychotic disorder (SPD) in the form of “folie a famille,” clinical picture and treatment process is presented. We used olanzapine for treatment of primary case. Her symptoms ceased within 3 months and other family members became asymptomatic without any medication. She was still asymptomatic at the end of 4 months. This case report is important in terms of showing psychosocial impact of DP and SPD comorbidity and to create awareness about this disease among health care providers.

Most Viewed Article
  • The Overlooked Dimension: Integrating Spirituality, Fate, and Free Will in Medical Decision-Making Models
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25092

  • Scholarly Perspectives on Sifra Detzniuta: With addendum on the Healer-Patient Relationship
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25091

  • Sacred Spaces, Clinical Encounters Integrating Theological and Medical Perspectives
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25090

  • Expression and Distribution of Calcium-Proteins Binding in Cultured Human Lens Epithelial Cells In Vitro and in the Lens of Selenium Cataract Sprague-Dawley Rat In Vivo
    Liu Kang, Yu Geng.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25089

  • Overcoming Doubt and Inner Struggle in Healing Roles: A Jewish Religious Perspective
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25088

Most Downloaded
  • The Overlooked Dimension: Integrating Spirituality, Fate, and Free Will in Medical Decision-Making Models
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25092

  • Scholarly Perspectives on Sifra Detzniuta: With addendum on the Healer-Patient Relationship
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25091

  • Sacred Spaces, Clinical Encounters Integrating Theological and Medical Perspectives
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25090

  • Expression and Distribution of Calcium-Proteins Binding in Cultured Human Lens Epithelial Cells In Vitro and in the Lens of Selenium Cataract Sprague-Dawley Rat In Vivo
    Liu Kang, Yu Geng.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25089

  • Overcoming Doubt and Inner Struggle in Healing Roles: A Jewish Religious Perspective
    Julian Ungar-Sargon
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/25088