A clinical study to compare the role of Jaladhara and Sankhapuspi rasayan in the management of chittodvega (Anxiety disorders)

Abstract

Chittodvega is a Manasa Vikara described by Charak. It has been considered as a perfect word for highlighting the status of anxiety, which is produced due to vitiation of Raja and Tama. In addition Prana, Udana, Vyana Vayu; Sadhaka Pitta; and Tarpaka Kapha are also provocated factors in it. On the basis of these considerations it can be postulated that Chittodvega is a minor mental disorder. In modern parlances also, the neurotic disorders which include anxiety disorders are considered as minor mental disorder in comparison to major mental condition like schizophrenia etc. Beneficial action of Shirodhara in the management of anxiety disorder has been reported. Acharya Charaka has advised to use Medhya Rasayana drugs for the mental disorders, especially for the promotion of Medha. Sankhapuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) has been considered best amongst the Medhya Rasayana drugs. Here in this study the total 36 patients of Chittodvega (Anxiety disorders) were randomly divided into two groups: 1) Group-J: The patients of this group were subjected to Jaladhara for 30 minutes daily in the morning between 8:30 to 11:00 AM for 6 weeks with a gap of 1 week after completion of three weeks course of Jaladhara. 2) Group-SR: The Patients of this group were administered 3 gms powders of Sankhapuspi Rasayana three times a day orally with water for 6 weeks. It can be concluded that Jaladhara gave better relief in panic attack and phobic disorder while Sankhapuspi Rasayana is more useful in generalized anxiety disorder. Results of the study are encouraging and these two therapies i.e. Jaladhara and Sankhapuspi Rasayana may become first line treatment of Chittodvega (Anxiety disorders).