Abstract

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

*Dr. Nandani Upadhyay, Dr. Ravi Sharma, Dr. Indumati Sharma

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are leading contributors to the global mental-health burden. Ayurveda addresses these conditions directly through the classical construct of Manasika Vikara, described across the Brihatrayi and allied Samhitas. To consolidate the primary classical Ayurvedic understanding of anxiety and depression, corroborated where relevant by secondary review literature. Primary source material comprised direct citations from Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Sangraha, Kashyapa Samhita, and Bhela Samhita. Four peer-reviewed Ayurvedic review articles (2022–2025) served as secondary literature for cross-verification and modern correlation. The classics describe depression chiefly as Vishada/Avasada, a Tamas-dominant Manasika Vikara, and anxiety as a Rajas-dominant disturbance such as Chittodvega, both rooted in vitiated Vata and localised at Hridaya. Management follows the threefold classical model — Daivavyapashraya, Yuktivyapashraya, and Satvavajaya Chikitsa — supported by Medhya Rasayana herbs, Panchakarma, Yoga, and Ahara-Vihara. Secondary literature corroborates several of these interventions with plausible GABAergic, serotonergic, and HPA-axis mechanisms, though controlled trials remain scarce. The Samhitas provide an internally coherent, clinically applicable model of mental illness; modern correlation strengthens but does not yet substitute for rigorous clinical validation.

Keywords: Ayurveda; Depression; Anxiety; Manasika Vikara; Vishada; Medhya Rasayana.