Delusional infestation syndrome: First retrospective study on a case series in France.

Abstract

Delusional infestation syndrome (DI) is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by a persistent, false belief of being infested by parasites. In this study, we evaluated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the individuals suffering from DI, referred to a hospital in the north of Paris from 2009 to 2024. Women and the patients over 41 years old were the most affected individuals. The presence of matchbox sign along with symptoms such as distress, anxiety, and insomnia were frequently recorded. In addition, the occurrence of this syndrome was not influenced by the patient's occupation. The healthcare workers should be aware of this disorder, its diagnosis and appropriate treatment.