Integrated Management of Major Depressive Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the third leading cause of burden of disease worldwide in 2008 by WHO and projected that this disease rank first by 2030. It is a complex and debilitating mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in activities. This badly affect physical, psychological, sexual as well as social life. MDD significantly impair an individual's daily functioning, increasing the risk of suicide, cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities which affects quality of life (QoL). The management include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. The case report discusses the integrated management of MDD.  In Ayurveda unmada is characterised by disrupted mental functioning. Kaphaja unmada can be correlated to MDD. This is a case report of 27-year-old woman, attended OPD with complaints of uncontrolled worry, sadness, loss of interest in activities, crying spells, reduced socialization from one year. The integrated management protocol of MDD includes rookshana, snehapana, vamana, virechana, vasthi, nasya, counselling, yoga and pranayama. The assessments were done using HAM- D and BDI scale and QLES-Q-SF Questionnaire. The protocol was found to be effective in bio-psycho-social domains. Along with the symptomatic relief, the values of the scales before and after treatment showed promising results.