Open AccessDrug-induced Delusional Infestation
Author(s) -
P. M. J. H. Kemperman,
Tristan V M Bruijn,
Nienke Vulink,
Mieke M C Mulder
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
acta dermato-venereologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.982
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1651-2057
pISSN - 0001-5555
DOI - 10.2340/actadv.v102.183
Subject(s) - infestation , drug , medicine , pharmacodynamics , pharmacology , dopamine , medical prescription , psychiatry , biology , pharmacokinetics , botany
It is considered that certain drugs might induce delusional infestation, yet, to date, no studies have been performed to identify the pharmacodynamics associated with these treatments. The aim of this review is to summarize current available knowledge of drug-induced delusional infestation. A literature search was performed for primary studies on suspected drugs reported to induce delusional infestation. Included articles were evaluated systematically using the Naranjo criteria. In addition, drug mechanisms of action were compared. The final selection included 31 studies, in which a total of 26 classes of drugs were identified. Anti-Parkinson drugs were most frequently associated with delusional infestation, followed by antidepressants, antiepileptics, antibiotics, prescription stimulants, and a few other drug groups. The current available literature suggests that the onset of delusional infestation is initiated by drug-induced alterations in neurotransmitter levels, predominantly dopamine, in the central nervous system.