Delusional Parasitosis in a Patient With a History of COVID-19 and Substance Use Disorder

Delusional parasitosis is a psychotic disorder that manifests as a belief that the skin is infested with parasites. This case report documents the association between COVID-19 infection and new-onset delusional parasitosis superimposed on preexisting psychosis, which has not been previously documented in the current literature. A 28-year-old male presented with new-onset delusional parasitosis superimposed on existing psychosis following COVID-19 infection. Computed tomography scan of the head was unremarkable. He was treated with olanzapine, which appeared to lessen the intensity of the delusions. This case report should encourage increased monitoring of COVID-positive patients with psychosis.

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Publication Details

Journal
The Permanente Journal
Published
2024-09-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/24.006
Primary Topic
Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
Type
article
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article

Delusional Parasitosis in a Patient With a History of COVID-19 and Substance Use Disorder

Samantha Li, Brian Kato, Jami Wang, Davin Agustines
The Permanente Journal
Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
article

Delusional Parasitosis in a Patient With a History of COVID-19 and Substance Use Disorder

Samantha Li, Brian Kato, Jami Wang, Davin Agustines
article en

Abstract

Delusional parasitosis is a psychotic disorder that manifests as a belief that the skin is infested with parasites. This case report documents the association between COVID-19 infection and new-onset delusional parasitosis superimposed on preexisting psychosis, which has not been previously documented in the current literature. A 28-year-old male presented with new-onset delusional parasitosis superimposed on existing psychosis following COVID-19 infection. Computed tomography scan of the head was unremarkable. He was treated with olanzapine, which appeared to lessen the intensity of the delusions. This case report should encourage increased monitoring of COVID-positive patients with psychosis.

The Permanente JournalVol. 28(4)
University of California, Riverside (US), Kaiser Permanente (US), University of California, Los Angeles (US), South Shore Hospital (US), Los Angeles Medical Center (US), Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center (US), Olive View-UCLA Medical Center (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 78%
Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
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