An Ayurvedic Approach to Treating Depression - A Single Case Study

Authors

  • Unnikrishnan PM Assistant Professor, Department of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa, JSS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, India.
  • Shashikala V PG Scholar, Department of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa, JSS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, India.
  • Deepa C Patil Professor, Department of PG Studies in Kayachikitsa, JSS Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, India.

Keywords:

Depression, Vishada, Ayurveda Treatments, Ayurveda Medications, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale

Abstract

Depression is a serious mental health conditi on which aff ects around 300 million people worldwide. Depression is expected to account for more lost years of healthy life than other diseases by 2030 except HIV-AIDS. It is a common mental disorder presented with depressed
mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feeling guilt, disturbed sleep and low power of concentrati on. In Ayurveda, depression can be closely related to Kaphaja Unmada (insanity due to Kapha ailment) in severe cases and in mild cases to Vishada (moderate to severe depression) and Avasada (mild depression). In this case study, a female patient aged 27 years with complaints of sleeplessness, reduced interest in daily routine, overthinking, worries about job and future for 7 years associated with occasional headache, general weakness, irritability, reduced concentration, and reduced confidence, was taken for the study. She was diagnosed as a case of moderate depression based on ICD 10 criteria for mood disorders and assessment of the symptoms.

How to cite this article: Shashikala V, Pati l D C, Unnikrishnan P M. An Ayurvedic Approach to Treating Depression - A Single Case Study. J Adv Res Ayur Yoga Unani Sidd Homeo. 2025;12(1&2): 1-8.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2394.6547.202501

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Published

2024-11-15