Epidemiology of Dhat Syndrome

Dhat syndrome is a clinical condition that is prevalent in certain cultures and is characterized by a variety of psychological and physical symptoms. This syndrome is not limited to the Indian subcontinent, and it has been observed in different parts of the world. Patients with Dhat syndrome often present with comorbid sexual and psychiatric disorders, which are thought to be caused by the distress associated with the loss of semen. Symptomatology of male and female dhat syndrome does not differ much and are mainly prevalent in rural population belonging to low socio-economic status and lesser educational status. In this chapter, we have given a broad overview of its prevalence, a description of male and female dhat syndrome and symptomatology. There is a need for multi-centric and multi-national studies in this area to estimate the exact prevalence and determinants of Dhat syndrome.