Koro and Dhat Syndrome in A Rural Indian Male: A Case Report on Cultural Stigma and Its Psychiatric Impact

Culture specific syndromes are disorders of behaviour that occur within or are limited to a specific culture. These syndromes are a mixture of psychiatric and somatic manifestations of cultural beliefs. In India, where sexual health is a taboo topic, disorders like Dhat and Koro often remain poorly understood and untreated. This case highlights how cultural beliefs and societal stigma surrounding sexual health complaints can exacerbate psychiatric symptoms and impair social functioning. The patient, a 29-year-old male from a rural background, presented with longstanding anxiety over semen loss and penile shrinkage. Diagnosis of Dhat and Koro syndrome was made along with dysthymia and generalized anxiety. Treatment included pharmacotherapy and psychoeducation. This report emphasizes the importance of culturally competent psychiatric care and the need for greater awareness of culture-bound syndromes..