Pharmacological Management of Dhat Syndrome

Dhat syndrome is a common culture-bound syndrome more specifically seen in regions of South Asia with sporadic reports from rest of the world. It is primarily characterized by somatic symptoms associated with semen loss. It is reported that depression, anxiety and sexual dysfunction are some of the common comorbid disorders seen with Dhat syndrome. This chapter courses through the various pharmacological management strategies available for the treatment of Dhat syndrome. Treatment, ideologically is non-pharmacological in Dhat syndrome but many factors are closely related to the success of the same. Pharmacological management ranges from not only identifying the myths and misconceptions related to treatment in the patients but also needs a detailed history including any comorbid physical ailments as well as any medicine intake to avoid drug interactions. Treatment for comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety with antidepressant and antianxiety drugs should be considered. Many patients present with sexual dysfunction and that should also be addressed with drugs like SSRI, PDE-5-inhibitors etc. depending upon the type of sexual dysfunction. Though management of choice in Dhat syndrome is a psychological therapeutic approach, the role of pharmacological interventions cannot be ignored.