Potency disorder among pathans

In a working class industrial area of Karachi hundred consecutive Pathans presenting to a family physician with potency disorder were examined. After exclusion of those with structural or drug related conditions, a structured proforma was introduced. Their presentation, associated symptoms and background pointed to masked depression and lack of sex education. Symptoms of anxiety were noticed in 49% and depressive features in 43%. The guilt feelings were reinforced by Hakims and lay literature which stress more on masturbation [79%] and spermatorrhoea [60%] and not extra-marital intercourse [52%] or bestiality [39%]

Culture and symptomatology in depression

One hundred depressed patients were evaluated and their socio-psychiatric profile documented, the symptoms were rated on Hamilton Rating Scale [HRS]. Presentation of depression was closer to African and Indian than European profile. Depression, somatic symptoms and retardation are more frequent among Afro-Asians. Less incidence of guilt among depressive from East has been confirmed. On HRS, the scores do not reach the level required for the diagnosis of mild depression, This could be due to more frequent somatic symptoms in our series whereas high scores are assigned to psychological symtoms in HRS