Deciphering the Psychosomatic Framework of Anxiety: A Comprehensive Systematic Review on Chittodvega and Its Holistic Management with Special Reference to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52482/ayurline.v10i5.1110Keywords:
Chittodvega, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Poorvarupa, Unmada, Lakshana, Sattvavajaya, Yuktivyapashraya.Abstract
Aims: This systematic review aims to consolidate the classical Ayurvedic framework of Chittodvega and evaluate its multidimensional management strategies.
Objectives: To establish a clinical and pathophysiological correlation between the classical features of Chittodvega and the contemporary diagnostic criteria of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Observations: Although Chittodvega is not described as an independent disease entity in the primary Ayurvedic classics, it is extensively documented as an important Poorvarupa (prodromal symptom) of Unmada and as a significant Manasika Vikara (mental disorder). Pathophysiologically, it develops due to the vitiation of Raja and Tama, the Manasika Doshas, acting in conjunction with Vata and Pitta Doshas, resulting in the disturbance of Manovaha Srotas. The clinical manifestations of Chittodvega demonstrate a close resemblance to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, including Shirahshoonyata (blankness of mind), Udvega (agitation and apprehension), Dhyana (persistent worrying), Hridgraha (tightness in the cardiac region), Ayasa (fatigue), and Unmattchittatvam (difficulty in concentration).
Conclusions: Ayurveda offers a comprehensive psychosomatic approach for the management of Chittodvega. Preventive measures such as Sadvritta and Achara Rasayana, along with therapeutic interventions including Sattvavajaya Chikitsa, Medhya Rasayana, Ghrita preparations, Nasya, and Shirodhara, provide a holistic and potentially safer complementary approach for the management of chronic anxiety and the promotion of mental well-being
References
1. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, editor. Sutra Sthana; Ch. 20, Ver. 11. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2011. p. 113.
2. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, editor. Nidana Sthana; Ch. 07, Ver. 04. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2011.
3. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, editor. Vimana Sthana; Ch. 06, Ver. 06. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2011. p. 258.
4. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, editor. Sharira Sthana; Ch. 01, Ver. 102. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2011. p. 297.
5. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, editor. Chikitsa Sthana; Ch. 03, Ver. 115. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2011. p. 407.
6. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, editor. Chikitsa Sthana; Ch. 01/4, Ver. 30-35. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2011. p. 58.
7. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, editor. Sutra Sthana; Ch. 08, Ver. 17. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2011. p. 58.
8. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, editor. Sutra Sthana; Ch. 07, Ver. 26. In: Charak Samhita of Agnivesha with Ayurveda Dipika commentary of Chakrapanidatta, Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2011. p. 50.
9. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, N M Acharya, editors. Sutrasthana; Ch. 21, Ver. 37. In: Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta with Nibandhsangraha Commentary of Dalhana Acharya, 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2014. p. 106.
10. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, N M Acharya, editors. Uttaratantra; Ch. 57, Ver. 03. In: Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta with Nibandhsangraha Commentary of Dalhana Acharya, 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2014. p. 764.
11. Paradkar HS, editor. Nidana Sthana; Ch. 05, Ver. 49. In: Astanga Hridaya of Vagbhatta with Sarvangasundra commentary of Arunadatta & Ayurvedarasayana of Hemadri, 6th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2014. p. 483.
12. Shivprasad Sharma, editor. Nidana Sthana; Ch. 06, Ver. 15. In: Astanga Samgraha of Vriddha Vagbhatta with Sasilekha Sanskrit commentary of Indu, 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krushnadasa Academy; 2012. p. 380.
13. Shivprasad Sharma, editor. Sutrasthana; Ch. 04, Ver. 21. In: Astanga Samgraha of Vriddha Vagbhatta with Sasilekha Sanskrit commentary of Indu, 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krushnadasa Academy; 2012. p. 56.
14. Sir Monier Monier-Williams. A Sanskrit-English Dictionary, 3rd ed. Oxford: The University Press; 1956. p. 395.
15. P.K. Gode & CG Karve. Sanskrit English Dictionary, Part I & II. Poona: Prasad Prakashan; 1957-1958.
16. Beekman AT, Bremmer MA, Deeg DJ, et al. Anxiety disorders in later life: a report from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 1998;13:717–726.
17. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-2016. Bengaluru: NIMHANS; 2016.
18. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2022. p. 222.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
I Â declare (on behalf of me and my co-authors) that the submitted manuscript titled has not previously been published and is not currently being considered elsewhere for publication in another journal and that I am (we are) the sole owner(s) of the manuscript thereof and of all rights, title, and interest therein. All agreed to the terms and conditions, Privacy Policy, which is declared on Journal Website http://www.ayurline.in and online filled (uploaded) form.
Please read following declaration cum Agreement Carefully.:
I declare (on behalf of me and my co-authors) that the submitted manuscript titled has not previously been published and is not currently being considered elsewhere for publication in another journal and that I am (we are) the sole owner(s) of the manuscript thereof and of all rights, title, and interest therein.
I (We) agree (on behalf of me and my co-authors) to the following:
1- I (we) hereby assign to the publisher of the journal. Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) the right to (Electronically and print) publish on website www.ayurline.in and distribute the said manuscript and to create a derivative print work from the said manuscript. The assignment shall be effective so long as the manuscript is available on online networks.
2- I (we) shall remain the owner of the copyright in said manuscript. I (we) may publish the manuscript in any other journal or medium but such publication must include the notice that the manuscript was first published by Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) Journals including reference to the corresponding issue.
3- I (we) agree to hold the publisher of the Journal, Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) harmless for any unauthorized use of the paper by the journal subscribers.
4- I (we) confirm that I (we) have obtained all the necessary all permissions to include in the paper items such as quotations, figures, and the results of government-sponsored research/private or individual publishers/owners.
5- I (we) enclose where necessary written permission of authors and publishers to use any copyright material (previously published figures and tables).
6- I (we) confirm that after the publication of my (our) manuscript in Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM), the publisher has the sole authority of the paper/Research Article. The publisher has the authority to use the content of the whole paper or part of it, in an edited book, or other mediums or withdraw (unpublish) the article without the permission of authors.
8- If I / We found victims of plagiarism, (e.g. text, images, videos etc.) I/ We sole responsible for such legal matters. I/We also declared that the Chief Editor/Publisher, Editorial Board of this Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) Journal does not have any responsibility for plagiarism. Publisher shall not become any party in any legal matter and if any case is filed in court against plagiarisms or any copyright-related issues all expenses/Penalties should be paid/borne by me/we (Authors). I shall be obliged to pay all the costs of the court case if any happened in future.
7 -I voluntarily agreed to pay the necessary non-refundable evaluation fees of the my article, which are not the publication Charges.
8 - All disputes subject to Kurla, Mumbai court jurisdiction. This Copyright Licensing Agreement comes into force the day of sending this completed electronic form.
