Abstract

Dr. Jyoti Singh* and Dr. R.B.L. Srivastav

ABSTRACT

Worldwide about 1 percent of the population is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by disturbances in thought (such as delusions), perception (such as hallucinations), and behavior (such as disorganized speech or catatonic behavior), by a loss of emotional responsiveness and extreme apathy, and by noticeable deterioration in the level of functioning in everyday life. Unmad is a similar clinical condition described in Ayurveda. The causative factors vitiate the Doshas which afflict Hrudaya (heart), which is the abode of intellect of a person having less of Sattva (intellect), and while being located in the Manovaha srotas (Channels carrying Psychic impulses), they afflict the mind. This causes perverted intellect, restless eyes, impatience, and incoherent speech, loss of memory, intellect and perception. Modern Antipsychotic drugs are usually effective in relieving symptoms of psychosis in short term. The long term use of antipsychotics is associated with side effects and contraindications. Ayurveda believes in balancing dosha to remove the root causes of the disorders and normalize brain. It is achieved by Ayurvedic approach that includes shaman, shodhan, sattvavajaya chikitsa. By using this line of treatment we can not only treat but also can minimize the adverse effects of the same.