When Dhat Syndrome is Delusional: A Case Series

Abstract

Dhat syndrome, a culture-bound syndrome, is associated with anxiety, somatic, and mood symptoms related to semen loss, commonly in males and uncommonly in females, associated with vaginal discharge. Only one case report has been described in the past with Dhat delusions associated with schizophrenia. In this case report, we describe two cases of somatic delusional disorder with Dhat-like content and paranoid personality traits. who initially presented with classical symptoms of Dhat syndrome. Dhat syndrome may present as a prodromal manifestation of a psychotic illness. Further studies are needed to explore which at-risk patients presenting with Dhat syndrome may present with psychotic symptoms in the future.