A term, probably of malaysian origin, that refers to an episode of sudden and intense anxiety that the penis (or the vulva and nipples in females) will recede into the body and possibly cause death. This syndrome is reported in south and East Asia, where it is known also as shook yong, shuk yang, suk-yeong, and suo yang (china); jinjinia bemar (Assam), and rok-joo (Thailand). It is occasionally found in the west.
Koro, or genital retraction syndrome (GRS), is a culture- bound syndrome found predominately in South and East Asia, in particular in south China, Thailand, and Malaysia (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994). This disorder is also known as shuk yang, shook yang, and suo yang (Chinese); jinjinia bemar (Assam); or rok-joo (Thai). Koro refers to a sudden and intense anxiety that the genitals will recede into the body and possibly cause death.
A state of acute anxiety, seen only in certain cultures (such as that of the Chinese of SE Asia), characterized by a sudden belief that the penis is shrinking into the abdomen and will disappear. Occasionally women have a similar belief that their breasts are disappearing into their body. It is usually treated with tranquilizing drugs and reassurance.
In China and Southeast Asia, a phobia that the penis will retract into the abdomen (or in females, that the nipples or vulva will retract into the chest or pelvis). The individual believes that once the sexual organ disappears completely, he or she will die.