EFFICACY OF AADHI NASHAKA CHOORNA (AYURVEDIC COMPOUND FORMULATION) IN OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER: AN OPEN TRIAL

Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous and multi dimensional disorder. The life time prevalence of OCD in general population is 2-3%. It is the fourth most common psychiatric diagnosis. There is lack of sufficient data regarding Ayurvedic strategy of managing this condition. The present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of “Aadhi nashaka choorna”, a compound Ayurvedic formulation, which contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Linn), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa Clarke) and Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn). In present study, 27 patients with OCD, satisfying the DSM-IV Diagnostic criteria were selected. Aadhi Nashaka Choorna with a dose of 4.5 gm, twice a day, after food, along with honey was given to them orally for one month. One month after completion of treatment, follow up was done. Before treatment, after treatment and after follow up, total three assessments were done. Criteria of assessment were based on the scoring of Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Symptom Checklist was used to identify symptoms. Paired‘t’ test was used for statistical evaluation. Aadhi nashaka choorna provided 24.66% of relief (P < 0.001) on Y-BOCS, which was considered as clinically not significant improvement.