Background: Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome of the Indian subcontinent. Traditional and cultural teachings through generations, and myths and misconceptions about sex are its principal contributing factors. Although prevalent, there is scarcity in studies on Dhat syndrome, particularly from Bengal. Aims and objectives: 1. To study the phenomenology of Dhat syndrome in men attending the out patients department (OPD). 2. To study the comorbid sexual and psychiatric disorders associated with Dhat syndrome. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the psychiatric OPD in a tertiary care medical college hospital in West Bengal. The duration of the study was 18 months. 122 patients were included in this study that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The diagnosis of Dhat syndrome was made as per International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, diagnostic criteria for research (DCR) criteria. A semi-structured pro forma was used to obtain sociodemographic variables along with numerous physical and sexual symptoms. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was applied for psychiatric comorbidities. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Studies 17 by SPSS Inc., Chicago. Results: 122 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Majority of patients were among age group of 20 to 30 years (60.7%). 56.6% were from the Muslim community and 43.4% were from the Hindu community. 54.1% population was unmarried and 39.3% were newly married. Routes of passage were night falls in 62.3% patients, and 52.5% patients pointed toward passage through urine. Many patients reported passage of semen more than one route. All patients (100%) complained about generalized weakness and thinning of semen. 66.4% had generalized body ache, 55.7% complain about headache, 60.7% decreased body glow, 50% had loss of appetite, 98.4% had decreased self-confidence, sleep disturbance was reported in 34.3% patients, 58.2% reported that their penis was becoming smaller, and 49.2% patients reported decreased sexual capability. The most common comorbid condition was sexual dysfunction (39.3%) followed by depressive disorders (27.9%). Premature ejaculation was found in 54.17% patients and erectile dysfunction in 33.33%. Conclusion: Dhat syndrome is a common culture-bound syndrome in Bengal. It is widespread in the Muslim community also. The importance of exploration of sexual comorbidities in Dhat syndrome is very much needed.

Background: There is a slow but steady increase in inhalant use in India among adolescent age group. There is a very few studies regarding inhalant use disorder in India. No study has been reported from West Bengal. Aims and Objectives: In our study, we aimed to study the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients using inhalants. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional clinic-based study conducted in a tertiary care center medical college hospital of West Bengal. All patients attending in the outpatient department with a history of inhalant use were taken in this study irrespective of diagnosis and purpose of visit. Duration of the study was 18 months. Sociodemographic and clinical profiles were obtained using asemi-structured pro forma. Results: We studied 26 patients. All were unmarried male from urban background, middle to lower socioeconomic status. Most of them were from nuclear family. Mean age was 15.2 years. Most of them were studying (69.2%). Inhalant was the preferred substance for all of them. Tobacco was the most common substance used along with inhalants. The most common inhalants substance was glue (Dendrite) 84.6%. Sniffing (80.8%) was the most common form of inhalation. For all of the patients, inhalation was out of curiosity. Only 23.1% had a positive family history of substance dependence. The most common comorbidity found was conduct disorder (30.8%). Motivation for quitting was poor for most of the patients. Conclusion: Inhalant use disorder is an important but still unexplored research area in West Bengal. Although not common, inhalant use disorder is not rare in clinical setting.

Background: With an increasing life expectancy, the population of geriatric age group is increasing in India and all around the world. The population aged above 60 years is 8% as per census 2011 and likely to be 21% of the total population by 2050. People from older age group suffer from mental problems more than their younger counterparts. Few studies have targeted the mental health of elderly in community level, especially in Bengal. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of mental illness among older age group of urban area in Kolkata, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, epidemiological community-based study was conducted in the Chetla area of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, West Bengal. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Mini-Mental State Examination were administered to 341 participants. Results: We found 36.95% of old age people having mental illness based on GHQ-12. Females have more prevalence of having a psychiatric illness than males. The most common psychiatric disorder was mood disorder followed by dementia. The prevalence of mental illness increased with advancement of age. About 64.7% of people never sought any kind of treatment for their illness. Conclusion: Mental illness is common among elderly people, but they are not well documented. A very significant number of patients do no seek any kind of treatment for their ailments. A comprehensive health-care system to be developed to reduce this treatment gap.