The second stage is the assumption of the sick role (Cockerham, 2003:161). In this stage, the sick person is allowed to relinquish his or her normal responsibilities if he or she was given permission by the lay referrals (Cockerham, 2003:161). Family, friends and colleagues can grant the ill patient provisional permission to assume the sick role status and negotiate treatment (Cockerham, 2003:161). Therefore, after having recognized the illness of the patient with dhat syndrome, the sociologist will then suggest that the patient be exempted from his or her normal responsibilities. The sociologist can suggest that the patients consult with the physician so that she or she can get