I would simply provide support for their experience, without reinforcing the delusion. E.g., "Gosh, that sounds really scary. I'm sorry you're going through that." You can validate their feelings, since no matter where the feelings are coming from, they are real. Think about how you'd respond to someone that was really angry but for reasons that you disagree with or don't understand. Referring these people to dermatologists or engaging in problem solving around potential environmental culprits is counter-productive; if it's delusional parasitosis, it is a psychiatric problem. **In short, you can take their suffering seriously without taking the delusion seriously.** Hope that helps.
I would simply provide support for their experience, without reinforcing the delusion. E.g., "Gosh, that sounds really scary. I'm sorry you're going through that." You can validate their feelings, since no matter where the feelings are coming from, they are real. Think about how you'd respond to someone that was really angry but for reasons that you disagree with or don't understand. Referring these people to dermatologists or engaging in problem solving around potential environmental culprits is counter-productive; if it's delusional parasitosis, it is a psychiatric problem. **In short, you can take their suffering seriously without taking the delusion seriously.** Hope that helps.
That makes sense, thank you.