|
|
Delusions and Phobias About Arthropods
- Help is available but the most important thing is to recognize the problem -
|
Summary: Delusions and phobias are serious psychological disorders that should be dealt with by the medical community. In cases where insects, mites or "bugs" are involved entomologists are sometimes asked to help.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
|
|
|
|
What's the difference between a delusion & a phobia?
 Two different conditions are recognized that relate to the inordinate fear of arthropods like insects, spiders, or mites. Entomophobia refers to an unreasonable fear of real arthropods. The key here, as with other phobias, is that the fear involves a real stimulus, in this case some arthropod, encountered in everyday activities. For example, a spider found inside the home might trigger this fear. Entomophobia is more easily treated and generally only a concern if it limits everyday activities.
|
|
|
| Delusions of parasitosis (DOP) or delusional parasitosis, on the other hand, is a fancy term for a severe reaction to an imagined infestation. A delusion is a mistaken belief. In this case the person believes, wrongly, that they are infested with an insect or mite or are being bitten repeatedly. The mistaken belief can be triggered by something as simple as an allergic reaction, emotional stress or even recreational drug use. As with other delusional disorders, psychological counseling is needed. See this UC Davis site for clinical definitions and treatment suggestions.
Complaints should, however, always be investigated with the underlying assumption that a real arthropod infestation is present. A number of insects and mites can cause skin reactions. The following signs, however, are indicative of imagined infestations in my experience:
Signs of DOP (this is my own list and is probably not exhustive)
- report bites or skin lesions from unknown causes
- they alone are being bitten or, interestingly, close family members also being "infested"
- claims that home or office is "infested", in addition to a "personal infestation"
- often resort to self-treatment with insecticides or other harsh chemicals (bleach, kerosene)
- often fear for others "becoming infested" which leads to self-imposed isolation
- often report multiple, unsatisfactory contacts with the medical or pest control community
- may abandon home because of the "infestation"
- "bugs" are invisible or disappear after capture
- submitted samples elaborately wrapped, often with very detailed collection information
- submitted samples may include body tissue or swabs
|
|
|
Related information: [Delusions of Parasitosis (pdf)] - This file contains references to DOP from the scientific literature compiled in 1997. [Mites That Bite Guide (pdf)] - There are a number of very small mites that actually bite and cause skin lesions. These causes must be excluded before a diagnosis of delusions can be made.
|
|
