Manasika bhavas and roga - A biopsychosocial model

Ayurveda reiterates the relationship between the body and mind in its approach to health as well as illness. Though the vitiated doshas, dhatus and malas remain the physiological basis of illness, the illness itself is a more complex psychosomatic phenomenon. Ayurveda has followed biopsychosomatic approach where more emphasis is given to the aspect of integration body and mind. In somatic diseases the psychological aspect cannot be neglected, similarly in psychological diseases somatic affairs are given due consideration. Social factors also play a major role in the inter relationships, financial support etc. Modern medicine accepted the biopsychosocial approach towards health recently. Manasika bhavas mentioned in Ayurveda such as bhaya, krodha, soka etc., can cause or aggravate several diseases and hence there is a relation between these bhavas and roga. These manasika bhavas act as stressors as it become the cause of several diseases. Body’s response to stress has been widely studied in the branch of Psychoneuroimmunology. Recent research suggests that the mind and body share bidirectional influences, and the science of Psychoneuroimmunology identifies specific mechanisms by which these mind-body changes are mediated. Hence it is important to consider psychological factors along with biological and social factors in all diseases, assess and identify them in a timely manner so as to have effective management.

Efficacy of Draksadi Phantam in Generalized Anxiety Disorder- An Uncontrolled Clinical Trial

Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent class of mental disorders in the general population. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety disorder that comprises continuous and long-lasting worrying, tension, which making normal life problematic and relaxation impossible The prevalence rate of GAD disorder is increasing constantly in modern era. Though many different types of modern medications used currently to treat anxiety disorders provide temporary relief, they come with various side effects, Drug dependence and safety concerns. In Ayurveda the symptoms of this disease show resemblance with the condition. Cittodvega (excited state of mind) which is one among the Manovikara in Ayurveda caused by dysfunction of increased Vata and Pitta dosha. The present study was conducted as an Uncontrolled clinical trial to study the Efficacy of Drakshadi Phantam in 38 diagnosed participants of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with the age group 20–50 were administered with 100ml of Drakshadi Phantam twice daily before food continuously for a period of 45 days. Five assessments were done staring from 0th day of treatment to 60 the day of the study with a gap of 15 days, using Hamilton anxiety rating scale and Rajas Tams rating scale. The assessment scores of different intervals were statistically analysed using RM ANOVA. Effect of the therapy were statistically analysed in each domain of HAM – A rating scale in different intervals of the study. The therapy was found statistically significant in reducing the symptoms of GAD in all the 14 domains of the HAM- A Rating scale. Based on results it has been concluded that Drakshadi Phantam has statistically significant effect in reducing the symptoms of all the 14 domains of Hamilton anxiety rating scale and reducing the Rajasika and Tamasika qualities of the study participants.

Ayurvedic Management of Moderate Depressive Disorder- A Case Report

Depressive disorders are highly prevalent mental disorders characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness and poor concentration. About 300 million people are estimated to suffer from depression at a global level and in India the figures approximate to about 45.7 million. As per WHO, depression will be the leading cause of burden of disease by 2030 and the prevalence, incidence, and the morbidity risk of depression appears to be more in females than males. A 42-year-old lady presented with primary concerns of increased thoughts, decreased sleep, discomfort in stomach, abdominal distension, increased fatigue, decreased appetite and increased tension. Detailed interview with her husband and parents revealed that she had increased thoughts, slowness in performing activities, inability to do day to day works, reduced memory and concentration, increased anger towards her husband, mother and daughter, reluctance to have food and reduced social mingling. Based on the observations made in the level of affective and behavioural domains, diagnosis of depressive disorder - current episode moderate was eventually done as per the diagnostic criteria mentioned in International Classification of Disease 10. In Ayurveda, the condition was diagnosed as Kaphaja Unmada based on the typical symptoms. The treatment protocol including Snehapana, Vamana, Virechana and Vasthi was administered. The mental status of the patient was also addressed during the treatment period and Satvavajaya measures including individual and family counseling methods were administered. There was significant improvement in the Becks Depression Inventory score and Q – LES – Q – SF questionnaire after the intervention.