Ayurvedic management of Schizophrenia (Unmada) – A case report

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe mental disorder with symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and lack of emotional expression requiring lifelong care and treatment to help people manage their symptoms. Treatment usually involves medications, psychotherapy, and social support. Antipsychotics are the management of choice. In Ayurveda, symptoms of schizophrenia resemble with those explained under Unmada, which is manifested due to derangement of the mind caused by imbalance or vitiation of Doshas. Yuktivyapashraya chikitsa along with Satvavajaya plays an important role in improving the symptoms and thereby the quality of life of patients. This report deals with a case of Schizophrenia, which was diagnosed as Kaphaja pittanubandha unmada according to the diagnostic principles of Ayurveda. A 36-year-old male patient presented with increased anxiety, decreased sleep, and mingling with others and was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Panchakarma procedures including Virechana, Nasya, and Basti along with internal Ayurvedic medicines were given and improvement was noted in symptoms. Scores in the PANSS scale before and after the treatment were 79 and 59, respectively, inferring the importance of Ayurveda management approaches in addressing manifestations like Schizophrenia.