Potency disorder among Pathans.

In a working class industrial area of Karachi hundred consecutive Pathans presenting to a family physician with potency disorder were examined. After exclusion of those with structural or drug related conditions, a structured proforma was introduced. Their presentation, associated symptoms and background pointed to masked depression and lack of sex education. Symptoms of anxiety were noticed in 49% and depressive features in 43%. The guilt feelings were reinforced by Hakims and lay literature which stress more on masturbation (79%) and spermatorrhoea (60%) and not extra-marital intercourse (52%) or bestiality (39%).