Cannabis‐induced Koro in Americans
Addiction November 1, 2001 DOI: 10.1046/j.1360-0443.2001.9611166312.x via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractKoro, a panic reaction involving the sensation of penile retraction, has been observed in some cannabis users in India but was thought to be culturally specific. This study examined whether cannabis-induced Koro occurs in Americans. Among over 70 men who reported negative reactions to cannabis, three Caucasian men aged 22–26 spontaneously described Koro symptoms after smoking marijuana. All three cases occurred after the men had heard about cannabis-induced Koro and used the drug in a novel setting or atypical way. Two had body dysmorphia, which may have contributed. All three reduced cannabis use after the experience. Koro is not limited to Eastern cultures, and factors such as prior knowledge, heightened panic settings, and poor body image may interact to trigger symptoms.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | American men aged 22-26 with years of cannabis experience who reported negative reactions to cannabis |
| Topics | Anxiety Cannabis CBD |
| Keywords | Panic Psychiatry Effects of cannabis Medicine Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 57 |
| Key finding | Cannabis-induced Koro occurs in Americans, not only in Eastern cultures, and may be influenced by prior knowledge of the condition, novel drug use settings, and body dysmorphia. |
Abstract
AIMS: Koro, an acute panic reaction related to the perception of penile retraction, was once considered limited to specific cultures. The disorder has appeared as part of a panic response to cannabis, but only in citizens of India. This study looked for cannabis-induced Koro in Americans. DESIGN: Given the relative rarity of cannabis-induced Koro, this work focused on individual case studies. PARTICIPANTS: Over 70 men responded by phone to report negative reactions to cannabis. Three of them (Caucasians aged 22-26 with years of experience with cannabis) spontaneously mentioned experiencing symptoms of Koro after smoking marijuana. FINDINGS: All three cases occurred after participants had heard about cannabis-induced Koro and used the drug in a novel setting or atypical way. Two of the men had body dysmorphia, which may have contributed to symptoms. All three decreased their cannabis consumption after the Koro experience. CONCLUSIONS: Koro, particularly cannabis-induced Koro, is not limited to Eastern cultures. Several factors may interact to create symptoms. These include previous knowledge of cannabis-induced Koro, the use of marijuana in a way that might heighten a panic reaction, and poor body image. In addition, these cases confirm previous work that shows that negative reactions to drugs can attenuate their use.