AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA: REPORT OF TWO CASES

Abstract

Schizophrenia is characterized by disturbances in thought, verbal behavior, perception, affect, motor behavior and relationship to the external world. A good number of patients opts Ayurvedic treatment to get rid of the side effects of anti psychotic medication and also for better quality of life. The present study deals with two cases of Schizophrenia diagnosed and treated as per the lines of ‘Pittaja unmada (case I) and Kaphaja unmada (case II)’ respectively according to Ayurveda. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. Total two assessments were carried out before treatment and after completion of 6 weeks (case I) and 8 weeks (case II) of treatment. Case I, came with positive symptoms, not undergone shodhana (purificatory procedure), not received hospitalized treatment and stopped anti psychotic medicines abruptly and left against medical advice. Case II, came with negative symptoms, undergone virechana karma (therapeutic purgation) and his anti psychotic medicines were tapered under observation (hospitalized). Case II got complete relief on PANSS. Panchakarma procedures along with internal Ayurvedic medicines provided promising results for successful tapering of anti psychotic medication and also for better management of Schizophrenia.