Risperidone in the treatment of delusions of infestation

Int J Psychiatry Med. 1997;27(4):403-9. doi: 10.2190/JJY8-P3YW-MN9Y-WBTX.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the efficacy and safety of risperidone, in the treatment of delusions of infestation.

Method: The authors present a three-case series in which risperidone was used to treat delusions of infestation.

Results: All three patients responded to risperidone and experienced no extrapyramidal side effects. Two of our patients had failed treatment with haloperidol and another had failed treatment with pimozide.

Conclusion: Risperidone was an effective and safe treatment in three cases of delusions of infestation. It is possible that 5-HT2 antagonism is essential for therapeutic benefit in this condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Delusions / drug therapy*
  • Delusions / psychology
  • Dementia / drug therapy
  • Dementia / psychology
  • Ectoparasitic Infestations / psychology*
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / drug therapy
  • Hallucinations / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / drug therapy
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / psychology
  • Recurrence
  • Risperidone / adverse effects
  • Risperidone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Risperidone