Clinical course and treatment outcome of
Koro: A follow up study from a Koro epidemic reported from West Bengal, India.
Asian J Psychiatr 2017;
26:14-20. [PMID:
28483078 DOI:
10.1016/j.ajp.2016.12.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Koro, as a culture bound syndrome is predominantly reported from Asian countries. There is dearth of well-designed research focussing on course and outcome of Koro.
METHOD
In the index study, 64 consecutive consenting patients with symptoms of Koro reported in different disciplines of a tertiary care Government Hospital of West Bengal were recruited over a period of 3 months. They were treated by standard treatment protocol and followed up for next 3 months. Data was collected on clinical course and treatment outcome by a pretested semi-structured proforma, specially developed for this study.
RESULTS
A typical subject was a young single male, educated up to primary standard, agricultural worker by occupation and belonged to Hindu rural joint family. Among the whole sample 23% were female. Majority were referred from either private doctors or hospitals or government hospitals and reported first at non-psychiatric OPD. Dropout and recovery rates were 28% (male 33%, female 13%) and 89% (male 89%, female 92%) respectively. 20%, 75%, 9%, 31%, 19% of patients needed indoor admission, oral anxiolytics, injectable tranquilizers, specific pharmacological and psychosocial treatment, supportive medical treatment respectively. There was a subtle difference in course and treatment outcome noted between the genders. A new modality of psycho-sexual intervention 'sex education in vivo' was applied on patients of Koro with favourable result.
CONCLUSION
Female counterpart represented a significant proportion. Overall improved trend of utilizing medical care facilities was observed. But sceptical attitude towards Psychiatric treatment is prevailing. An overall good treatment outcome was noted among the Koro victims.
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