A Siddha-based clinical intervention in the management of Vigaara Pittham (Generalized Anxiety Disorder): A case report

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a long-lasting type of psychiatric disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry, which creates a hindrance in day-to-day living. The patients often opt for traditional remedies in addition to modern methods of treatments to avoid side effects associated with standard therapies. The Siddha medical system offers a holistic treatment perspective for several psychosocial disorders. Here, we present the case report of a 35-year-old, married woman who came with a 6-month history of insidious onset of persistent anxiety symptoms in the form of excessive worry, irritability, disturbed sleep, fatiguability, and restlessness. She complained of long-standing psychosocial pressure due to her husband’s daily alcohol intake and current family problems. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria, the patient met the criteria for GAD. At baseline, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) score was 18, and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) was 35. She was given internal Siddha medicine Sathakuppai Chooranam and external medicine Sanjeevi Thailam as an oil bath. Symptomatic treatment continued with weekly symptom checks. Her GAD-7 and HAM-A scores reduced to 9 and 16 respectively after 15 days, showing an obvious improvement in the symptoms. Her sleep was improved, she was less worried and able to cope better. One-month follow-up demonstrated continued improvement without recurrence. This case indicates that the Siddha formulations may help in the management of symptoms of GAD. The study suggests that, by studying larger patient populations, the findings of this case report can be validated firmly.