Ekbom Syndrome - Delusional Parasitosis - in 2 Minutes!

Ekbom syndrome is characterised by delusions of parasitosis, tactile hallucinations of parasites crawling on or under the skin, burrowing, biting, stinging and itching, and visual hallucinations of the parasites, such that the person experiencing these can describe and draw them. It is classified under Persistent Delusional Disorder in ICD-10 and Delusional Disorder - Somatic Type - in DSM-5.
I am Dr Beth Colby, a psychiatrist in London.
Other videos on my Talk Mental Health channel include:
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10 Symptoms of Depression
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Treatments for Depression/What will Happen if I tell my Doctor I am Depressed?
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Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Paranoia: Paranoid Schizophrenia, Persistent Delusional Disorder and Paranoid Personality Disorder
Bipolar Affective Disorder Explained
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Autistic Spectrum Disorder ICD-11 v ICD-10 v DSM-5
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What Happens When Somebody is Sectioned?
Sections 2 and 3 of the Mental Health Act
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'Mini Versions', under 2 minutes long, of my videos include:
10 Symptoms of Depression
10 Tips for Self Help for Depression
Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Anxiety
Mania
Anxious Avoidant Personality Disorder
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Schizoid Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Dependent Personality DIsorder
Translated videos include:
Into Kurdish:
What is Anxiety?
10 Symptoms of Depression
Into Farsi:
What is Anxiety?
10 Symptoms of Depression
If you would like me to do videos on any other topics, or have any questions, please write a message in the comments section.

[@virginiabruneault4192]

Hello, I think my mother has this syndrome. For 6 months she has been convinced that she has insects on her or all over the house. She has wrapped the clothes, linens etc in plastic bags and she wears a cap on her head night and day because she thinks it is in her hair. She washes herself with white vinegar and regularly uses anti-lice shampoos. She sprays herself with essential oils, supposed to scare away insects. I'm desperate. How to help someone when his problem is not rational?! In France we don't talk about it. I only find American articles (I am French). How do we get over this?! Thanks.

[@DrBethColby]

Would your mother be prepared to see a doctor about this? Either a physician regarding the insects (who can exclude any infestation), or about the stress she is going through because of her beliefs? All the best. Best wishes, Beth

[@azcarteranderson]

100% of the patients I've experienced were related to methamphetamines

[@sandramorningstar1177]

Can parasites live in ur muscles even after treatment? I was told I had OCD but I still feel and see worms, my SO says it’s just hair or that there’s nothing there but if I FEEl it then how is nothing there?? He keeps telling me to look at symptoms and videos of this condition but I don’t believe I’m imaging things rn

[@kyrek387]

Karl Ekbom was from the early 1900s prior to new current technology that allows parasitologist to more readily find these parasites. In fact certain parasites have a less than 50% detection rate. Like strongeloides. Which can sometimes take up to six para ova test to find. There are however multiple methods now available in recent years. If you suspect you have a parasite. See and actual parasitologist that will do the full work up.

[@DrBethColby]

Yes, all physical/medical causes of symptoms need to be ruled out prior to a mental health diagnosis

[@Stephen94A]

Thank you so much for the video. Is this condition a cultural-bound syndrome, please

[@DrBethColby]

That is a really good question, Stephen. I will take a look at the literature to see whether there have been any cases outside the West.

[@DrBethColby]

Hi Stephen. I am not sure whether this is a culture-bound syndrome or not, but culture will affect the expression of the illness, for instance, which bugs people believe are infesting them. In the West, the delusions tend to be around being infested through the skin, but in other cultures people may believe that they are being infested through external orifices.

[@Stephen94A]

@@DrBethColby I appreciate your feedback. Thank you so much. History taking and assessment for the diagnosis of this condition should be an interesting yet daunting one! I enjoy your summaries very much 😊