Because Cecil did a column on delusional parasitosis, over the years we’ve had a number of discussions about the subject on the Dope. Typically the Dopers have concluded that people who have symptoms of Morgellons Disease (skin lesions, feeling of bugs crawling on them, fibers emerging from the skin) are actually suffering from delusions.
Now the CDC has launched a study to determine whether Morgellons is a real, physical illness. I’m very interested to learn what they find out, particularly about the nature of the “fibers” that patients present to doctors as evidence. I think it’s a positive step that some serious science will be used to find answers. I’ve always been skeptical about Morgellons, but I’d be willing to be convinced if this study can substantiate the existence of the disease.