Ayurvedic approach in the management of depression: A case report

Abstract

Nowadays, depression is the most prevalent psychiatric condition. The WHO estimates that 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Avasada and Vishada are two ailments that are referenced in the Ayurvedic Samhitas and have a close connection with depression. Acharaya Charak states in "Vishado Rogavardhanam" that this is the primary cause of any ailment getting worse. Many medications are available in allopathy science to treat mental health conditions, but they come with a lot of side effects. Prolonged use of these drugs puts the patient in progressively terrible conditions that eventually turn fatally. A 37 years old male patient approached the outpatient department with complaints of anger, irritability, loss of activities and energy, khanadit nidra (Disturb Sleep) since from 4 years, pichil malapravarti since from 4 months. Patient past history of Schizophrenia before 12 years and taken treatment of allopathy medicine. Also, history of hypertension since, 8 years under medication. Patient was not willing for allopathy medicine. Patient came to OPD for Ayurvedic treatment. He was treated as per the Ayurvedic line of treatment panchakarma with shirodhara and internal medicines Syrup Brahmi Prash, Guduchi Ghanavati, Saraswatarishta, Avipattikara Churna, Cap. Tagar, Jatiphaladi Vati, Triphala Guggulu, Manasa Vatakam, Saraswatarishta, Cap. Nidrayog, Himasagara Taila, Cap. Purnachandrodaya, Cap. Rasayana. Treatment was continued for 5 months with a follow up monthly. Hamilton's Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was utilized to assess the patient prior to and following the intervention.