Understanding the treatment modalities of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Chittodvega) - A Single Case Study

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that produces fear worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It is characterized by excessive, persistent and unrealistic worry about everyday things. This worry could be multifocal such as finance, family, health and future. It is excessive, difficult to control, and is often accompanied by many non-specific psychological and physical symptoms. Excessive worry is the central feature of GAD. It is evident from textual references that the Acharyas knew different forms of mental status. Among all those terms, Chittakshobha, Asvastha Chitta, Anavasthita Chitta, Chittodvega are indirectly towards the meaning of anxious status. However, Chittodvega is more applicable term to illustrate whole anxious status. A case report of 28year old female patient with chief complaints of Unexplained Stress, Overthinking, Headache followed by increased irritability and Anger issues, palpitations on and off received medication in modern medicine which caused adverse effects and dependency. Panchakarma therapies coupled with Samshamana medication and Yoga module has been proved effective in Manas Roga. Hence in this study, Shirodhara for 14 days and Nasya in two sittings for 7 days each was given along with Samshaman Ausadhi for 1 month. The subjective parameters scale i.e., Hamilton anxiety scale, were compared before and after treatment.