Effect of Dhat Syndrome on Body and Mind

ABSTRACT

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