Koro Presenting in the Prodromal Phase of Schizophrenia in a Patient With Klinefelter Syndrome

Abstract

Klinefelter syndrome (KS), a disorder of abnormal sexual differentiation, is characterized by the presence of an excess X chromosome in males (47, XXY). KS is associated with various neuropsychiatric manifestations such as anxiety, depression, schizotypy, and frank psychosis. Psychosocial factors including stigma and poor coping or psychobiological comorbidities due to neuroendocrine mechanisms have been posited to explain these symptoms. We report the case of a young male with an anxious temperament who presented with the culture-bound neurosis of Koro, which evolved into schizophrenia. The patient also had gender dysphoria and significant social anxiety. The report highlights the implications of anxious traits leading to developing culture-bound neurosis in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia in a patient with KS and its influence on treatment strategies. Integrated psychopharmacological, psychological, and psychosocial interventions are required to promote recovery in patients with KS.