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The Parasite and Infestation Study

Understanding the Experience of Patient-Physician Diagnostic Incongruency: I Know Something is Wrong But No One Believes Me

Who can join

As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.

Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Sex
All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
Compensation
Not stated

Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

What to expect

No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.

What participation involves

  • Procedures mentioned: Questionnaires, Interviews

Only what the study's summary and detailed description on ClinicalTrials.gov say. Time periods may describe the whole study or a part of it — ask the study team what applies to you.

Show the study's own words
  • "In a 1-2 hour session over Zoom, the investigators will ask participants questions about their experience, have them complete self-report questionnaires, and ask them to complete a few games on the computer."
  • "The investigators seek to understand the emotional and cognitive aspects of this experience, through semi-structured interviews, self-report questionnaires, and cognitive tasks."
Compensation
Not stated
  • Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
  • Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
  • Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
  • Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.

About this study

In plain language

This study aims to understand people who believe they have bugs, parasites, or an infection, even though a doctor has told them they do not. During a 1–2 hour Zoom visit, participants answer questions, fill out surveys, and play computer games. The goal is to help improve care for people with this experience.

Many people have evidence of bugs, parasites, and infestation, but are told by others that they cannot find a cause. This distressing and frustrating experience can last for years, as the person seeks answers. The current study aims to understand the experience of these individuals. In a 1-2 hour session over Zoom, the investigators will ask participants questions about their experience, have them complete self-report questionnaires, and ask them to complete a few games on the computer. The investigators' goal is to help characterize and understand individuals with this experience to aid in better treatment and inform recommendations for providers.

Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • Men and women ages 18–70.
  • At least 50% sure they currently have an infection, bugs, or parasites, despite a doctor saying they do not.
  • Able to read and speak English.
  • Have a computer or phone for the online visit.
  • Do not report a history of schizophrenia or related conditions that affect how a person understands reality.

Who can't join

  • Currently have a substance use disorder, meaning drug or alcohol use that causes problems. Nicotine and caffeine do not count.
  • Have had a severe head injury.
  • Currently take antipsychotic medicines, which treat symptoms such as seeing or hearing things others do not.
  • Have a serious medical or nervous system illness known to affect thinking.
  • Have been diagnosed with a learning disability or a disorder that affects thinking or memory.

Simplified for readability. The official criteria below are what the study team uses.

Official eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged 18-70 years old * At least 50% certain that they have an active infection/infestation/parasite, despite being told by doctor that they do not * Ability to read and speak English * Access to a computer or phone for virtual visit * No self-reported history of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder Exclusion Criteria: * Active substance use disorder (excluding nicotine and caffeine) * History of severe head trauma * Current use of antipsychotics * Serious medical or neurological illness known to interfere with cognitive functioning * Diagnosis of a learning disability or cognitive disorder

Study sites (1)

TN