Koro

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Koro

Koro (/ˈkɔːroʊ/; from Malay, meaning "head of a turtle") is a culture-bound syndrome originating in Southeast Asia, where individuals have an overpowering belief that their genitals (or breasts, in the case of women) are retracting into their bodies and will disappear, despite the lack of any physical change.

Etymology

The term "Koro" is derived from the Malay word for the head of a turtle, a metaphor for the retraction of the penis or nipples that characterizes this syndrome.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Koro is the intense anxiety that one's sexual organs are shrinking or retracting into the body. This fear is often accompanied by a variety of physical sensations, such as a feeling of coldness, numbness, or tingling in the genitals. In severe cases, individuals may believe that death will result if the retraction is not reversed.

Causes

The exact cause of Koro is unknown, but it is often associated with a range of psychological, cultural, and environmental factors. These may include sexual guilt or anxiety, beliefs in supernatural forces, and exposure to rumors or mass hysteria about genital retraction.

Treatment

Treatment for Koro typically involves reassurance and education about the normal variability in size and appearance of genitals. In some cases, psychotherapy or medication may be used to address underlying anxiety or other mental health issues.

Related Terms

External links

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