Disorder or delusion? Living with Morgellons disease.
Whether Morgellons disease is a delusional disorder or even a disease has been a mystery for more than 300 years. Symptoms of Morgellons include crawling and stinging sensations, feeling of "bugs" and/or fiber-like material beneath the skin, disabling fatigue, and memory loss. The cause, transmission, and treatment are unknown. Research about Morgellons is staggeringly sparse and limited in scope. However, in recent years, discussion about Morgellons has become more common because of the Internet and online support groups. Mental health professionals and the general public need to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and treatment of this disease. Focusing on the disease and listening to patients can make a difference in the way health care professionals provide the best possible care for people with Morgellons.
Simpson
Lindsay
L
DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, MO, USA. lsimpso85@yahoo.com
Baier
Marjorie
M
D003702:Delusions / Q000175:diagnosis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D055535:Morgellons Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States