Question:medium
Formication (a sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin) is characteristically seen with which of the following?
Formication (a sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin) is characteristically seen with which of the following?
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Magnan's sign of crawling bugs follows long-term stimulant abuse.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Acute amphetamine intoxication
- Chronic use of amphetamine
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Cannabis poisoning
Show Solution
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The crawling-bug sensation in this question is formication, also called Magnan's syndrome. The key is to link it to the correct drug pattern.
Step 2: Magnan's syndrome is a well-known feature of long-term stimulant abuse, specifically chronic cocaine and chronic amphetamine use. Sustained excess of dopamine in such users generates the false perception of insects under the skin, often leading to repetitive skin picking.
Step 3: Examining the alternatives clarifies the choice. A single acute amphetamine high produces restlessness and adrenergic effects rather than persistent formication. Alcohol withdrawal is dominated by autonomic hyperactivity and visual hallucinations seen in delirium tremens, while cannabis chiefly distorts mood and perception. None of these is the textbook cause of formication.
Step 4: The printed key (chronic amphetamine use) is medically correct, so the answer is chronic use of amphetamine.
\[\boxed{\text{Chronic use of amphetamine}}\]
Step 2: Magnan's syndrome is a well-known feature of long-term stimulant abuse, specifically chronic cocaine and chronic amphetamine use. Sustained excess of dopamine in such users generates the false perception of insects under the skin, often leading to repetitive skin picking.
Step 3: Examining the alternatives clarifies the choice. A single acute amphetamine high produces restlessness and adrenergic effects rather than persistent formication. Alcohol withdrawal is dominated by autonomic hyperactivity and visual hallucinations seen in delirium tremens, while cannabis chiefly distorts mood and perception. None of these is the textbook cause of formication.
Step 4: The printed key (chronic amphetamine use) is medically correct, so the answer is chronic use of amphetamine.
\[\boxed{\text{Chronic use of amphetamine}}\]
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