Female Dhat syndrome: A scoping review of sociodemographic and clinical profiles, etiological attributions, and comorbidities.

Background: Dhat syndrome, an entity mostly recognized in men, has also been observed in women wherein distress is a result of non-pathological Vaginal Discharge (VD). Aim: To synthesize evidence on the sociodemographic profile, clinical presentation, comorbidities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes of female Dhat syndrome, to clarify its nosologically status and inform clinical management. Methods: The current paper followed PRISMA guidelines and used five databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE) to select studies published up to January 31, 2025. Quantitative, mixed-method studies, case series, and case reports focusing on FDS were included and narratively synthesized. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Results: A total of 21 studies with 4,375 women affected by female dhat syndrome (FDS) were included. Primarily married and from low-to-middle-income backgrounds, these women commonly reported weakness, fatigue, and body pain, which they attributed to VD. According to them, VD was a result of excessive body heat, infections, and sexual anxieties. Psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders, were prevalent. Psychoeducation, antidepressants, and anxiolytics were the primary intervention strategies used by medical professionals. Conclusion: The presentation of FDS is influenced by psychological and cultural factors. Evidently women having lesser access to health and sexual education present more frequently with FDS. Greater awareness, standardized diagnostic criteria, and standardized management strategies are needed to address the distress and improve clinical outcomes for affected women.