Open AccessAyurvedic management of generalized anxiety disorder – A case report
Author(s) -
Chandni. C. Pillai,
James Chacko,
Devipriya Soman,
Mahesh C Kundagol
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of ayurvedic and herbal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2454-5023
DOI - 10.31254/jahm.2018.4303
Subject(s) - anxiety , medicine , hamilton anxiety rating scale , massage , generalized anxiety disorder , rating scale , disease , psychiatry , pediatrics , psychology , alternative medicine , developmental psychology , pathology
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a common and disabling disorder characterized by persistent worrying, anxiety symptoms and tension about a variety of everyday problems for a period of at least 6 months [1]. The symptoms of this disease shows resemblance with the Chittodwega (Excited state of mind) which is one among the Manovikara (disease of mind) explained by Acharya Charaka. The contemporary management of this disease employs anxiolytics to be used in long run which is not conducive to health. This a case of 57 year old gentleman who presented with persistent anxiety and inability to relax . Based on signs and symptoms he was diagnosed as a case of GAD according to the ICD 10 F41.1 criteria. Treatment planned was Nasya (nasal administration) and Abhyanga (massage) followed by Shamanaushadhis (internal medicines). Brahmi gritha (medicated ghee) is widely practised as Paana (internal administartion) but in this case we have used it for nasal administration as it is the easiest way of delivering the potency of a drug to brain. Assessment of the condition of the patient before and after the treatment was done using Hamilton’s Anxiety Rating Scale to evaluate efficacy of treatment. After the completion of schedule of one week of IP treatment and further 21 days of OP level administration of medicine, a significant reduction in score from 18 to 13 on Hamilton’s Anxiety Rating Scale and improvement in symptoms was observed.