Effect of Virechana with Avipathi Churna on alternate days for three times in the management of aggression in Manic Patient - A Case Report

Abstract

Bipolar Affective Disorder is characterised by recurrent episodes of mania and depression in the same patient at different times. A manic episode is characterised by elevated, expansive or irritable mood, increased psychomotor activity, pressure of speech and flight of ideas. More severe form of mania can cause impairment in social and occupational functions. There will be psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations and the patient may loss connection with reality. Symptoms of mania are similar to that of Paittika Unmada mentioned in Ayurveda classics. This article deals with a case of Bipolar Affective Disorder with current episode of mania with psychotic symptoms which was diagnosed as Paittika Unmada as per Ayurveda. The patient was very aggressive and was not under any medications at the time of admission. She was administered with Virechana with Avipatti Ćhoorna on alternate days for three times during the first 7 days after admission. The relief in symptoms was assessed both subjectively and using Young’s Mania Rating Scale on 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th day and subjective relief in symptoms were recorded. A considerable reduction in aggressive symptoms were noticed along with marked reduction in motor activity, irritability and she gained insight of Grade 4 by the third Virechana. The results were promising and worth detailing.