A Koro-Like Presentation of Somatic Delusional Disorder in a Young Male With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Report From the United Arab Emirates
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Koro-like syndrome (KLS) is considered a non-epidemic, culturally decontextualized variant of Koro, a culture-bound syndrome first identified in Southeast Asia. Classic Koro is marked by acute anxiety and the belief that one's genitalia are retracting into the body, often occurring in epidemic clusters influenced by cultural and societal beliefs. In contrast, KLS arises in non-endemic settings and is typically seen in individuals with underlying psychiatric conditions - such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis, or delusional disorders - without the presence of shared cultural narratives. We report the case of a 24-year-old Egyptian male with a history of OCD with poor insight and somatic delusional disorder who presented with persistent preoccupation about perceived testicular atrophy. He attributed this belief to a hormonal imbalance and exhibited a waddling gait to avoid pressure on his genitalia. Despite repeated medical reassurances and normal hormonal evaluations, he remained firmly convinced that his testes were undergoing atrophy. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of KLS in non-endemic settings, particularly when embedded within broader psychopathology. This underscores the importance of recognizing somatic delusions that occur outside traditional cultural frameworks and adapting treatment approaches to address the underlying psychopathology.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98533
Authors: Mohammed Nazir, Joman Alshereida, Mohamed M Elshamy, Ali Baldo
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417055367