Entities that Mimic Dhat Syndrome

Dhat syndrome is a poorly understood culture-bound syndrome commonly presenting in India. However, similar syndromes exist across the world under different names. Thus physicians worldwide need to be familiar with both Dhat syndrome and entities that mimic it to prescribe targeted therapies. Some of the conditions patients with Dhat syndrome can be incorrectly diagnosed with include urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, postorgasmic illness syndrome, pelvic disorders, and Koro syndrome. Dhat syndrome also commonly presents with either psychiatric comorbidities or sexual dysfunction or both. In these cases, the symptoms specific to Dhat syndrome must not be overlooked as left untreated, they can continue to exacerbate the other conditions.