CLINICAL DEPRESSION AN - AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Depressive disorders are characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest or pleasure.  It affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. It is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. It affects person’s daily life and he cannot live effectively. Even with advancement in medications, prevalence rate of depression is very high. In Ayurvedic perspective, alpa satwata (feeble minded) is a predisposing factor for the development of mano vikaras. Depression can be explained under the title of vishada and unmada. Vishada includes the symptoms of mild depression, but moderate to severe forms resembles with the symptoms of kaphaja unmada.