Culture-bound syndromes: Koro: 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: Koro

Sample item

A man in southeast Asia suddenly develops intense anxiety that his penis is shrinking into his abdomen and that he will die. The syndrome is:

AAmokBPibloktoqCKoroDDhat syndrome

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Koro

Koro (genital retraction syndrome) is a fear of the penis or, in women, the nipples or vulva, retracting into the body, leading to death, and occurs in epidemic form in some regions. It is treated with reassurance and anxiolytics.

Option by option

A. Amok
Amok involves violent outbursts.
B. Pibloktoq
Pibloktoq is an Arctic hysteria with excitement and withdrawal.
C. Koro (correct)
Correct. Fear of genital retraction is Koro.
D. Dhat syndrome
Dhat syndrome concerns semen loss.

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.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Koro. Koro (genital retraction syndrome) is a fear of the penis or, in women, the nipples or vulva, retracting into the body, leading to death, and occurs in epidemic form in some regions.

Why is "Amok" not the answer?

Amok involves violent outbursts.

Why is "Pibloktoq" not the answer?

Pibloktoq is an Arctic hysteria with excitement and withdrawal.

Why is "Dhat syndrome" not the answer?

Dhat syndrome concerns semen loss.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Culture-bound syndromes: Koro in Psychiatry. It is treated with reassurance and anxiolytics.

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: Koro?

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.