Genital Retraction Syndrome

Genital Retraction Syndrome (sometimes shortened to GRS) is also known as koro (in Malaysia) or shuk yang (in China). The syndrome is a psychological problem that is prevalent in several countries in Southeast Asia and Africa (such as Nigeria). The patients experience an episode of sudden and intense anxiety that the penis (in men) or the vulva and nipples (in females) will shrink, recede into the body and possibly cause death.

The syndrome has been extensively studied and it is thought to be an specific form of anxiety disorder which is linked to psychosexual conflicts, personality traits and cultural beliefs.

Epidemics of Genital Retraction Syndrome do occur but are attributed to mass hysteria.

Genital Retraction Syndrome is so widespread that the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) is listing it in a separate section that describes several Culture-Bound Syndromes.