Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Morgellons Disease A Delusion Of Parasitosis?
Question: Do you believe that Morgellons is real or delusion of parasitosis? I believe I have it or at least the symptoms that other people complain about. its been 2 years and I'm falling apart.
Brief Answer:
it is delusion, not real disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
Morgellons also called Morgellons disease or Morgellons syndrome, is a condition in which people have the delusional belief that they are infested with disease-causing agents described as things like insects, parasites, hairs or fibers, while in reality no such things are present.
Most dermatologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals view Morgellons as a new name for a well-established condition, delusional parasitosis also known as delusions of parasitosis.
I come across such patients often once in a month. I generally get referred patients from my dermatologist colleagues.
If symptoms are there since 2 years in your case no need to consult dermatologist. It is a delusion disorder and treated by psychiatrist in routine.As such difficult to treat particularly in old age. However at age of 35 with help of suitable antidepressant-anti psychotic medicines and psychotherapy you can come out of this problem gradually.
Hope I have answered your query, I would be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki
it is delusion, not real disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
Morgellons also called Morgellons disease or Morgellons syndrome, is a condition in which people have the delusional belief that they are infested with disease-causing agents described as things like insects, parasites, hairs or fibers, while in reality no such things are present.
Most dermatologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals view Morgellons as a new name for a well-established condition, delusional parasitosis also known as delusions of parasitosis.
I come across such patients often once in a month. I generally get referred patients from my dermatologist colleagues.
If symptoms are there since 2 years in your case no need to consult dermatologist. It is a delusion disorder and treated by psychiatrist in routine.As such difficult to treat particularly in old age. However at age of 35 with help of suitable antidepressant-anti psychotic medicines and psychotherapy you can come out of this problem gradually.
Hope I have answered your query, I would be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What meds then? Im making the lesions? Scars are so bad that I'm getting increased depression don't want to go outside may be seasonal depression too.
I can't concentrate, distance is awkward like when I'm driving, I'm so tired, short term memory loss and I could just keep going. do you believe taking anti psychotic meds and anti anxiety meds will stop the lesions and fix the cognitive problem?
I can't concentrate, distance is awkward like when I'm driving, I'm so tired, short term memory loss and I could just keep going. do you believe taking anti psychotic meds and anti anxiety meds will stop the lesions and fix the cognitive problem?
Brief Answer:
haloperidol/pimozide/trifluoperazine is the option,upload photos
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up.
You are likely suffering from depression and anxiety due to delusional parasitosis.
Most of the patients do not have any significant skin lesion in this problem. If feasible please upload clear photographs of these lesions.
In antipsychotic medicines haloperidol,pimozide or trifluoperazine is generally used depending upon tolerance. It is used with tirhexyphenydyl to prevent side effects. If none of the drugs is tolerable second generation antipsychotic like risperidone or olanzapine can be used.
If you can understand your problem and fed up with excessive thoughts of lesions fluoxetine will help to prevent excess thoughts.
Klonopin is good anti anxiety drug and you can use it under your doctor's supervision.
If all or some of the above drugs used in appropriate manner with effective counselling, your cognitive problem can be solved which in turn stop the lesions.
Feel free to discuss further.
take care.
haloperidol/pimozide/trifluoperazine is the option,upload photos
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up.
You are likely suffering from depression and anxiety due to delusional parasitosis.
Most of the patients do not have any significant skin lesion in this problem. If feasible please upload clear photographs of these lesions.
In antipsychotic medicines haloperidol,pimozide or trifluoperazine is generally used depending upon tolerance. It is used with tirhexyphenydyl to prevent side effects. If none of the drugs is tolerable second generation antipsychotic like risperidone or olanzapine can be used.
If you can understand your problem and fed up with excessive thoughts of lesions fluoxetine will help to prevent excess thoughts.
Klonopin is good anti anxiety drug and you can use it under your doctor's supervision.
If all or some of the above drugs used in appropriate manner with effective counselling, your cognitive problem can be solved which in turn stop the lesions.
Feel free to discuss further.
take care.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
