[Cotard's syndrome].

INTRODUCTION: Ekbom's syndrome or delusional parasitosis is a disorder in which the patient believes that he/she is infected by a parasite. Epidemiologic, nosologic, psychopathologic and therapeutic data can barely be interpreted, as delusional parasitosis has mostly been described in either isolated cases or small cohorts. An extensive literature review is recommended to better understand common features associated with this syndrome. EXEGESIS: Ekbom's syndrome is a chronic disorder that may occur at any age but is more common in the elderly, particularly in females. International classifications have included this syndrome in non-schizophrenic delusions. However, it has also been reported in schizophrenia, affective disorders, and organic or induced psychosis. Treatment is based on antipsychotic agents, psychotherapy, and cooperation between dermatologists and psychiatrists. CONCLUSION: Pimozide is currently the most effective treatment. It requires careful monitoring, as it has several adverse effects. For patients with concomitant depressive symptoms, the use of antidepressants is recommended.

Delusions↗

PubMed2000

[Self-certitude and self-being in schizophrenic delusional patients].

When asking how a schizophrenic delusional patient can achieve a new, psychotically determined entity of his existence, we can differentiate the following aspects: 1. A quasi-transcendental organization of the delusional experience establishing the patient's singular self-certitude and the absoluteness of the delusion. 2. A reflexive self-confrontation and self-disclosure within his psychotic experience as the basis of the patient's new, psychotically different self-being. 3. The directly intrusive experience of becoming psychotic as a fundamental transformation of oneself may trigger the awareness of a specific new-beginning and therefore of a radical change in personal self-being. This means as well an existential self-seclusion.

Delusions↗