Culture-bound syndromes: Dhat: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Culture-bound syndromes: Dhat

Sample item

A young Indian man complains of weakness, fatigue and anxiety, and believes that semen passes in his urine, causing loss of vitality. This culture-bound syndrome is:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Dhat syndrome

Dhat syndrome, reported from the Indian subcontinent, is a belief that loss of semen causes weakness and ill health. Reassurance, education and treatment of anxiety or depression are appropriate.

Option by option

  • A. Latah

    Latah is an exaggerated startle response with echo phenomena.

  • B. Koro

    Koro is fear of genital retraction and death.

  • C. Dhat syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Semen loss anxiety is Dhat syndrome.

  • D. Amok

    Amok is a sudden violent outburst followed by amnesia.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Dhat syndrome. Dhat syndrome, reported from the Indian subcontinent, is a belief that loss of semen causes weakness and ill health.

Why is "Latah" not the answer?

Latah is an exaggerated startle response with echo phenomena.

Why is "Koro" not the answer?

Koro is fear of genital retraction and death.

Why is "Amok" not the answer?

Amok is a sudden violent outburst followed by amnesia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Culture-bound syndromes: Dhat in Psychiatry. Reassurance, education and treatment of anxiety or depression are appropriate.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Culture-bound syndromes: Dhat?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.