Integrative Ayurvedic approach to Perinatal Anxiety and Depression with Improved Breastfeeding Practices: A case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i10.2357Keywords:
Perinatal anxiety, Perinatal depression, Ayurveda, Integrative management, Breastfeeding, Case ReportAbstract
Background: Perinatal anxiety and depression are frequent but underrecognized disorders of maternal mental health resulting in quality-of-life impairment and breastfeeding complications. Such conditions in Ayurveda are cognized as Manasika vyadhi rajas prakopa and Tamas prakopa. Case presentation: A 28-year-old primiparous female presented with the complaints of persistent fear, agitation, disturbed sleep, excessive worry, fatigue and maternal low confidence in breastfeeding. The severity was checked by assessment scales: HAM-A 24, HAM-D 22, ISI 19, Ashtavibhrama and impaired WHOQOL-BREF domains. DSM-5 introduced a perinatal anxiety and depression diagnosis. Intervention: Intervention consisted of Integrated protocol, Murdhni Taila (Shirodhara, Shirotalam and Shiropichu with Brahmi Taila), oral medication (Manasmitra Vati, Brahmi vati, Saraswatarishta and Agnitundivati), yoga (Nadi Shodhana, Bhramari, Om chanting) planned in stage wise manner along with Satwawajayachikitsa counselling. Following concurrent therapy and 19 counselling sessions. Outcomes: There were observed gradual improvements in more than three months. The scores were minimized to HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) 7, HAM-D (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) 6, ISI (Insomnia Severity Index) 6, Ashtavibhrama 0 and WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organisation Quality of Life- Brief Version) came close to the normal levels. The patient rebuild confidence in breastfeeding and stability. Conclusion: An Ayurvedic intervention strategy that integrates external therapies with internal formulations, yoga and counselling proved to be very beneficial in perinatal anxiety and depression that favours maternal well-being and successful breastfeeding.
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