An Ayurvedic overview of Ekbom Syndrome with special reference to Atatvabhinivesa

Ayurveda is the science that addresses the physical and mental well-being of individuals. In addition to treating physical ailments, Ayurveda also offers thorough information on mental and social well-being. Three components are essentially in charge of the genesis of all illnesses, they include Prajnaparadha (intellectual blasphemy), Asatmaindriyartha Samyoga (overuse, underuse, or inappropriate use of sense faculties), and Parinama (time). Currently, rising stress levels lead to a significant increase in Mano vikara, or mental illness. Ekbom syndrome also known as Delusional Parasitosis, is a rare somatic type of Delusional disorder. It is a condition where the person is in a fixed false belief that they are infested by parasites, worms, fungi, or other living organisms. Individuals with Ekbom syndrome resist mental health care, believing their conditions stem from a parasitic infestation. This delusional misperception closely aligns with the Ayurvedic concept of Atatvabhinivesa. It describes a state in which an individual perceives falsehood as absolute truth, rendering them incapable of recognizing reality. This condition leads to profound impairment of intellectual faculties, resulting in loss of insight into both the disease and oneself. This article aims to explore the rare disease of Ekbom syndrome through the lens of Atatvabhinivesa offering an Ayurvedic perspective on its Trividha Bodhya Sangraha. Keywords: Atatvabhinivesa, Trividha Bodhya Sangraha, Ekbom Syndrome, Delusional Parasitosis.