Delusional Infestation Successfully Controlled With Neuroleptic Depot Injection: A Case Report
- Author:
Jamaluddin Ruzita
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
Delusions, Infestations, Neuroleptic treatment, Case Report
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2016;17(2):263-267
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Delusional infestation is a psychiatric condition in which a patient
belief that they are infested with living organisms in the absence of any objective
evidence. The objective of this case report is to highlight a rare case of delusional
infestations in a patient with schizophrenia who misusing polysubstance abuse.
Methods: We report a case of 36-year-old Malay gentlemen, unemployed,
married with three children, known case of schizophrenia since 2013, with
history of polysubstance abuse presented to the emergency department with
symptoms of itching followed by a sensation of insects crawling, biting and
burrowing under the skin on his head causing an ulcerated wound. Results: He
was diagnosed to be suffering from schizophrenia and was successfully treated
with monthly antipsychotic depot injection in view of his poor adherence to
medication On examination, ulcerated scalp wound measuring 4 x 4 cm was
noted at the parieto-occipital region of the scalp. Skull X-ray and computerized
tomography (CT) scan of the brain were normal. Electroconvulsive therapy
(ECT) was introduced in view of slow treatment response and self-inflicted
injury. The symptoms were successfully controlled after eight months, and no
extrapyramidal side effect was observed. Conclusion: Patients with delusional
infestation often poorly adhered to his treatment medication and the usage of
depot injection of antipsychotic may benefited some patients to control the
psychotic symptoms. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 17 (2): July – December
2016: XX XX.
- Full text:P020170620420940752419.pdf
