Síndrome de Ekbom: revisão de literatura.

Abstract

Ekbom syndrome is a disorder where the patient believes that the surface of the skin is infested by microorganisms, macroorganisms or even inanimate objects. It is classified as primary, secondary and due to organic causes. It is a rare condition among psychiatric disorders, being more prevalent in single women aged between 55 and 68 years. A literature review was carried out, searching for articles in the PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library On-line (SciELO) and Google Scholar databases, using the keywords: delusional parasitosis, delusional infestation, Ekbom syndrome and delirium of parasitic infestation. Preferably selected articles from the last 5 years. After careful reading and analysis, 21 articles were chosen and those of lesser relevance or for not addressing the topic in depth were excluded. Patients with self-mutilating behavior were observed in this syndrome, resulting in different types of lesions in the epidermis. This behavior corresponds to an attempt to eradicate the supposed infestation. A classic sign, not pathognomonic, is the “matchbox sign”where the individual would take these beings or particles to a laboratory professional, in different containers such as matchboxes. A multidisciplinary approach is ideal for this condition and the drugs with the best therapeutic response would be olanzapine and risperidone. Studies with Functional Magnetic Resonance (FMR) are in progress and may soon help to better understand the pathophysiological bases and etiology of this condition. Prospective research should be considered aiming at an effective treatment algorithm.