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Suggest Treatment For Delusional Disorder
Question: My mother thinks she has a parasite in her head,she says she feels something moving around under her skin.She says it leaves some kind of sticky substance that mats her hair together... She has pulled her hair out and has a small bald spot as a result of trying to get the sticky substance out of her hair...it has progressed into her arms and legs
Brief Answer:
It could be delusional parasitosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Although mental as well as physical examination of the patient is required before I make any diagnosis but provisionally I feel she is suffering with delusional disorder.
This is because I have encountered atleast 20 middle aged females in my psychiatry practice with almost similar complaints when they suffered with delusional parasitosis. Most of these patients have normal functioning in other domain of life except the false belief and reaction to this belief.
In my view it will be appropriate to see a psychiatrist without any delay as untreated condition finds it roots and leads to more resistance to medications.
I also advice you to not to communicate this diagnosis as patient do not accept this because of stigma and other things initially but with treatment they accept the conditions and seek help.
I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
It could be delusional parasitosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Although mental as well as physical examination of the patient is required before I make any diagnosis but provisionally I feel she is suffering with delusional disorder.
This is because I have encountered atleast 20 middle aged females in my psychiatry practice with almost similar complaints when they suffered with delusional parasitosis. Most of these patients have normal functioning in other domain of life except the false belief and reaction to this belief.
In my view it will be appropriate to see a psychiatrist without any delay as untreated condition finds it roots and leads to more resistance to medications.
I also advice you to not to communicate this diagnosis as patient do not accept this because of stigma and other things initially but with treatment they accept the conditions and seek help.
I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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