Dhat Syndrome: Culture Bound, Separate Entity, or Removed

Abstract

Dhat syndrome is a culture bound syndrome of the Indian subcontinent, although this has often been debated. Although, it is being researched for more than half a century there is still no clear definition of Dhat syndrome and characterized by excessive preoccupation with loss of “Dhat,” which is generally taken to be representing semen and attribution of physical and psychological symptoms. It is usually seen in young, unmarried, or recently married men of rural background with conservative attitude toward sex, generally belong to low or medium socio-economic status and education level. It can be treated with anxiolytics, antidepressants, as well as psychological interventions such as psycho-education, sex education, counseling, and cognitive behavior therapy. There is long debate regarding the nosological position of the disease and recent call for attention of psychiatrists in the subcontinent to revisit the nosological status of dhat syndrome with an unbiased mind. Further, systematic studies on the phenomenology of Dhat syndrome is needed to clarify it, especially keeping in mind the extent of the problem in the subcontinent and the distress and dysfunction it results in. Key Words: Dhat Syndrome, Cultural Bound Syndrome, Indian Subcontinent, Bangladesh