Holistic management of illness anxiety disorder (Gadodvega) in a patient after coronary angioplasty: A case study

Gadodvega (~hypochondriasis) is one of the psychiatric disorders mentioned in Ayurveda, which is characterized by excessive suspicion and fear of having some diseases. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 also describes a similar psychiatric condition – Illness anxiety disorder (IAD) which is defined by excessive worry about having or developing a serious undiagnosed medical condition. People with IAD experience persistent anxiety or fear of developing or having a serious medical illness despite normal physical examination and laboratory testing results. In this case report, a 55-year-old male patient reported concern, anxiousness, and repetitive thoughts of having some medical illness to the outpatient department. The patient also had somatic complaints of dizziness and generalized weakness. The symptoms appeared soon after the patient had undergone coronary angioplasty seven months back. The patient was admitted to the inpatient department and treated with a combination of Panchakarma therapies (~internal bio-cleansing therapies), internal medications, motivational counseling, Yogasana (~Yogic posture), Pranayama (~breathing exercises), and relaxation therapy along with Mahamrityunjaya mantra chanting. The patient was assessed based on signs, symptoms, and Health Anxiety Index (HAI) scale. The patient showed significant improvement in signs and symptoms during his hospital stay and follow-up along with a significant reduction in HAI scoring from 55 to 12. Thus, it can be inferred that Gadodvega or IAD can be efficiently treated through a holistic approach of Daivavyapashraya (~spiritual therapy), Yuktivyapashraya (~logic-based treatment), and Satvavajaya chikitsa (~counselling).