An Ayurvedic Management of Depression in Hypothyroidism - A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrinal disorders which are mainly diagnosed basing on the laboratory investigations. In hypothyroidism, most of the patients present with non-specific symptoms. Depression is one of the common non specific symptoms of hypothyroidism. Grading and management of depression along with the management of hypothyroidism is essential to prevent the risk of harm and provide potential benefit to the patient. Method: A 35 year old woman presented with a depressive disorder for the past one year. On thyroid screening she was found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. Depression was graded according to Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Patient was managed with Ayurvedic drugs Kanchanara Gutika and Manasamitra vatakam on OPD basis. Result: She had a very good clinical improvement following the therapy. Thyroid screening assured the maintenance of Thyroid hormone levels and TSH in the normal range. MADR Scale showed marked improvement. Conclusion: We conclude that it is better to have a special focus on the management of depression along with thyroid screening when patients present with non specific symptoms as depression. Ayurvedic management showed good results on MADRS as well as thyroid hormone levels.