Course and Outcome of Dhat Syndrome

Dhat syndrome is considered a culture-bound syndrome commonly seen in South Asia. It is characterized by preoccupation with loss of Dhat from the body. It occurs among unmarried young adolescents and those with lower socioeconomic status. Depression, anxiety disorders, and sexual dysfunction are common comorbidities in patients with Dhat syndrome. Psychoeducation regarding normal sexual anatomy, physiology, and clarification of various misconceptions among the patients has been considered the primary treatment modality in these patients. In longitudinal studies, a higher rate of dropout, the expectation of medications by the patient, and various sociocultural beliefs held by the patients are some of the main factors leading to difficulty in patient engagement in treatment and, in turn affecting the overall response. There is a limited understanding of the course of the disorder due to a lack of longitudinal studies and diagnostic stability of the disorder itself.