Case Series on the Ayurvedic management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Clinical Insights into Pratimarsha Nasya and Ghrita Pana in Chittodvega

Abstract

Mental health has become an increasingly significant concern in today’s dynamic and stressful world, affecting individuals across all age groups and social strata. While occasional stress and anxiety are common, the persistent pressures of modern life marked by instability, uncertainty, and rapid change have led to a rise in psychological distress, leaving many individuals vulnerable to mental health disorders. In Ayurvedic literature, anxiety is classified as Chittodvega, a type of Manovikara arising from the vitiation of the Manasika Doshas Rajas and Tamas. It is also considered a contributing factor in the development of Unmada Roga. This Ayurvedic understanding closely aligns with the modern concept of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), one of the most prevalent and widely recognized psychiatric conditions encountered in clinical practice today. Five patients presenting with Chittodvega were selected from the Panchakarma OPD for this case series. Each patient received Pratimarsha Nasya Karma as a localized therapeutic procedure, in conjunction with internal administration of Medhya Ghrita as part of Shamana Chikitsa. Upon completion of the treatment protocol, significant improvement was observed in the subjective parameters. Follow-up assessments indicated no further disease progression. This suggests that the combined application of Panchakarma procedures and Shamana medication offers a safe and effective approach for managing Chittodvega, underscoring the potential of integrative Ayurvedic treatment in conditions comparable to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).