A CASE STUDY: AYURVEDIC INTERVENTION ON A MENTAL DISORDER

Abstract

Introduction: OCD is a co-occurring disorder that co-occurs with other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It is typified by intrusive obsession with thoughts without a compulsion, obsessions with contamination that are followed by washing or combined with obsessive avoidance of the allegedly contaminated object, or obsessions with doubt that are followed by a compulsion to check. Ayurveda offers a wide range of treatments that may be beneficial in the treatment of this kind. OCD is comparable to a number of the conditions mentioned in Ayurvedic writings. Ayurveda benefits much from treatment. Through cooperative use of therapy, promising outcomes were demonstrated in an OCD case study. Aim: To study the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment in the management of OCD. Material and method: A 46-year-old female patient came into the outpatient department (OPD) with a history of frequent hand washing and cleaning, unexplained fear, insomnia, and depression. Palliative care began with dietary restrictions followed by spiritual therapy, and Panchakarma therapy like Shirodhara, which breaks the pathophysiology of OCD. Observation and result: The patient's unexplained fear subsided, and there was a noticeable improvement in her sleep patterns, reduction in hand washing frequency, and depression. Conclusion: Ayurvedic principles combined with conservative management offer substantial alleviation from unexplained anxiety and panic, trepidation and fear, insomnia, concern, and other related symptoms. The patient improved quality of life, weight reduction, anorexia, and unclear feelings.

KEY-WORDS: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Manas Vikara, Atattvabhinevesh, Panchakarma, Shamana, Sattvavajaya Chikitsa, Shirodhara, Nasya….