Morgellons disease etiology and therapeutic approach: a systematic review.

Morgellons disease is characterized by patient reports of fibers embedded in and protruding from the skin. Etiologies from infection to delusion have been endorsed, and treatment guidelines are not well-defined. The objective of this manuscript is to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the etiology and treatment of Morgellons disease in an effort to better inform clinical management. A PubMed search including key words "Morgellons," "delusional parasitosis and fibers," "delusions of parasitosis and fibers," or "delusional infestation and fibers" was completed. Original publications directly assessing etiology or treatment methods of Morgellons disease published between January, 2010 and the time of manuscript preparation were reviewed and evaluated. Sixteen articles regarding etiology were reviewed. All studies were correlative in nature with various limitations. Support for a psychiatric etiology was more widespread than support for an infectious etiology. Eleven articles regarding treatment efficacy were reviewed. Antipsychotic regimens have the most evidence of efficacy. Existing data regarding Morgellons disease suggests a psychiatric etiology and supports treatment with a low-dose antipsychotic agent once non-psychiatric causes have been excluded.

Review of epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of common primary psychiatric causes of cutaneous disease.

Approximately half of all patients presenting to dermatologists exhibit signs and symptoms of psychiatric conditions that are either primary or secondary to cutaneous disease. Because patients typically resist psychiatric consult, dermatologists often are on the front line in evaluating and treating these patients. Accordingly, distinguishing the specific underlying or resulting psychiatric condition is essential for effective treatment. The etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and first-line treatment of specific primary psychiatric causes of dermatologic conditions, including delusional infestation, Morgellons syndrome, olfactory reference syndrome, body dysmorphic disorder, excoriation disorder, trichotillomania, and dermatitis artefacta are discussed here, followed by a discussion of the recommended treatment approach with an overview of the different first-line therapies discussed in this review, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy, atypical antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants. Included is a guide for dermatologists to use while prescribing these medications.