Patients with delusional infestation (delusional parasitosis) often require prolonged treatment as recurrence of symptoms after cessation of treatment is common: an observational study

Abstract

Pharmacological treatment of DI can be effective, particularly in a combined dermatology/psychiatry clinic. Most treated patients have a good prognosis, and a remission period can be expected. However, more than 25% of patients may relapse on stopping treatment, with the greatest risk being within the first few months of discontinuation. These patients may require longer treatment courses, or long-term maintenance therapy for symptom control, although further studies are needed to provide recommended guidelines on drug and dosing regimen.