Development of cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention for patients with Dhat syndrome
The fourth patient was a 24-year-old single male, pursuing graduation in engineering, from middle socioeconomic status and urban background. He presented with complaints of general weakness, inability to concentrate on studies and erectile dysfunction. He had been having sexual contacts with one relative. However, 3 months back, he had a failure in erection. Since then, he had been unable to maintain erection. He attributed it to excessive loss of semen through sexual intercourse. All forms of sexual activities including masturbation had been stopped by him since then. Results after intervention showed clinically significant improvement in most of the parameters [].\nIt was found that though the behavioral homework of masturbation was suggested, the patient was very reluctant to engage in the same. Careful exploration revealed that the imagery of passage of semen itself caused anticipatory anxiety about masturbation to the patient. Therefore, it appeared that imaginal desensitization would be a helpful strategy. The patient could be asked to imagine the loss of semen or sight of semen and could be desensitized to such a scene. This component was added to the module for use with subsequent patient.