Dhat Syndrome: A Case Report

Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound disorder that is mostly prevailing in men. Such culture-bound disorders are prevalent in almost all regions of the world. The main reason behind this syndrome is that they think their life is at danger as they ejaculate semen. Clinical manifestations of such patients would be presentation of somatic complaints of being dull, anxious of getting married, feeling their life is going to end because them ejaculating, and even can accompany symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment is usually based on psycho-therapy and psychoeducation of reproductive organs; cognitive behavior therapy and psycho-trophic medications (anti-anxiety or/and anti-depressants) help to relieve anxiety and depression symptoms. Usually this condition do not require admission in mental health setting, unless patients have symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder where nurses play an vital role in psycho-education, supporting the patient involving the supportive systems available and rehabilitating these patients. A case report is presented in this article including clinical presentation, diagnosis, medical and nursing management.