Koro (Genital-Retraction Anxiety)

Koro is a culture-bound acute anxiety state characterized by the intense, fearful belief that one's genitals are retracting into the abdomen and that this will cause death. It occurs mainly in Southeast Asia and South China, often in epidemic form. Clinical: acute panic, clutching the genitals, pleas for help. Symptoms remit rapidly with reassurance. Treatment: reassurance, examination, and short-term anxiolytics.

Common Symptoms

Acute fear of genital retraction; panic; clutching the genitals; belief that retraction causes death; epidemic/culture-bound

Causes and Pathogenesis

Cultural beliefs and anxiety/stress combine to produce an acute fear-based panic state, often occurring in clusters.

Treatment

Reassurance; physical examination; short-term anxiolytics; cultural-sensitive counseling

Preventive Measures

Cultural-sensitive public education; early reassurance; reduce anxiety.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Psychiatry department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.