Dhat Syndrome: a socio-cultural perspective

Dhat syndrome is a culture bound syndrome originating in the Indian sub-continent. Various cultures or religions have discussed about ill effects of semen loss and anxiety related to semen loss is one of the core symptoms of Dhat syndrome. It is found to be most prevalent among young men coming from rural background with poor education. Further, Dhat syndrome has been associated with comorbid depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Management of Dhat syndrome includes combination of psychoeducation, sex education, medications and psychotherapy. This paper intends to provide and the place the origins of Dhat syndrome in culture context and discusses the socio-cultural factors that tends maintain it.

Effect of Dhat Syndrome on Body and Mind

Introduction: Physical and mental issues related with loss ofsemen or "dhat" results in a disorder called as Dhat syndrome.It is a culture-bound disorder portrayed by unseemly and overthe top pain of losing semen from one's body. Aim: The aimof the study was to find the socio-demographic determinantsassociated with this disorder along with finding out variousphysical complaints and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. Thestudy also focused on evaluating the quality of life of patients.Material and Methods: 100 patients were included in thisstudy with selective sampling technique. Diagnosis of Dhatsyndrome was made according to ICD-10 DCR criteria.Socio-demographic determinants, physical complaints werenoted down. HAM-A, BDI II inventory and SF36 scales wereapplied.Results: Age less than 24 years, illiteracy, marriage andpeople living in rural area were strong factors associated withDhat Syndrome. Generalized weakness and body pain weretwo complaints which were present in all the patients. Almostall the patients had moderate to severe score on HAM-A andBECK’s II inventory. SF36 PCS and MCS showed scores lessthan 11.Conclusion: Socio-demographic variables play a pivotal rolein Dhat syndrome. Physical symptoms and mental disorderwere common amongst people suffering from Dhat syndrome.The quality of life of these patients were hampered. It is aserious entity which affects the whole body and mind. It alsodisrupts the quality of life

Treatment-emergent dhat syndrome in a young male with Obsessive–Compulsive disorder: An alarm for medication nonadherence Highly accessed article

Dhat syndrome refers to a culture-bound syndrome of Southeast Asia, where patients present with anxiety and depressive and somatic symptoms, which they attribute to semen loss. Common presentation of these patients is the passage of semen-like substance in urine. Retrograde ejaculation may cause spermaturia, and patients with firmly held cultural myths related to sexuality may develop features of Dhat syndrome. Here, a patient with obsessive–compulsive disorder on treatment with fluoxetine developed retrograde ejaculation and subsequently features of Dhat syndrome.

Dhat Syndrome Assessment Using Mixed Methodology

Objectives: Dhat syndrome is a cultural bound syndrome in which affected individuals have morbid pre-occupation with semen loss in their urine and its impact on the body. Previous studies have explored the symptomatology and perception regarding seminal discharge of such patients while there is lacked of literature on the assessment by quacks and practitioner of alternative and complementary practitioners (ACMP). Therefore, in addition to objectives of previous studies, this study explores the reprehensibility of such practitioners as they may not be giving correct advice to such patients. Methods: For duration of three months, this mixed method study was conducted in Rohilkhand Medical College campus; individuals were approached both in and outside the Psychiatric Outpatient Department using purposive sampling procedure. ICD-10 diagnostic criterion was used to include affected individual in the study sample. Subsequently, a semi-structured questionnaire to document their socio-demographic data and symptomatology was used. Further, previous consultation to quack, ACMPs and allopathic practitioners other than psychiatrist and advice given to the patient by them was obtained via in-depth interview. The quantitative data was analyzed through proportions whereas qualitative data via thematic analysis. Results: There were 38 out of 110 with Dhat syndrome. Invariably, they complained of undue concern regarding debilitating effects of seminal discharge and harmful for the body. A total 21.1% had prior consultation to ACMPs and attributing it to masturbation and hot weather. Surprisingly, allopathic practitioners consulted gave incorrect advices. Conclusion: Dhat syndrome affects individuals irrespective of their social and education background. Sex education among the masses and emphasis for awareness of this syndrome among ACMPs and allopathic practitioners other than psychiatrist is necessary to reduce this cultural bound syndrome.

A Case Report Of Dhat And Koro: A Double Jeopardy

Objective: Culture-bound syndrome is a term used to describe syndromes unique to certain cultures. We need to understand the origins of cognitions related to these syndromes. Methods: We present the case report of a patient with dhat syndrome and koro with no other psychiatric disorder. Results: The cognitions related to these two distinct culture-bound syndromes in our patient seem to have their origins from different sources. While those related to dhat anxiety are peer-group induced, the one related to koro-like symptoms seem to have been affirmed by an alternative medical practitioner. Conclusion: Mental health professionals dealing with patients having culture-bound syndromes need to get to the core of origin of various cognitions and beliefs that such patients bring into the consultation rooms.