A holistic Ayurveda approach for adjustment disorder integrating Panchakarma and Psychotherapy – A case report

Abstract

Background: Adjustment disorder is a psychosomatic response towards a stressor that could arise from domestic, financial, or professional conflicts. Ayurveda incorporates this clinical manifestation of physical and psychological stress (mano dukkha) under the spectrum of Unmada. Clinical Findings: In this case report, in a 16-year-old girl, based on Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa, the symptoms of unknown fear, lack of concentration, reduced sleep, and feverish feeling for one and half months were analysed based on rogi-roga pareeksha and diagnosed under the spectrum of manodukkhaja kapha dominant vataja unmada (adjustment disorder). Interventions: Indukantam Kashayam, Vidangarishtam, Abhayarishtam, Manibhadraleham, Kalyanaka Ghritam and Brahmarasayanam were utilised based on condition as internal medication, while rooksha pinda sweda, udwartanam, sneha intake with narayana tailam and kalyanaka ghritam, abhyangam and swedanam, mridu virechanam and shirodhara were incorporated into external therapies. Along with the treatment, counselling was adopted as a part of Sattwavajaya Chikitsa. Results: The said treatment provided remarkable relief in the symptoms and improved the overall quality of life of the patient. The individual who refused to go to school achieved the highest grade after the complete treatment and follow-ups. Conclusion: Such studies in manasika vikaras pave the path for further fundamental and clinical research in Ayurveda.