Ayurveda management of Post partum depression : a case report

Postpartum Depression (PPD) has a psychosomatic aetiology, which includes mental depression and nutritional deficiencies. Although many consider postpartum depression to be a contemporary disorder, Vriddha Jivakacharya mentioned it in sixth century BC as Unmaad (Psychosis) among the sixty-four Dushprajata Vyadhi (diseases caused due to mispractices during labour) in Kashyapasamhita. This is a case report of a 35-year-old primigravida was brought by patient’s husband to the clinic on the 24th day of labour. Patient was concerned about insomnia. She exceeded the established predisposing criterion for PPD in terms of age, kind of labour, literacy, and therapy. The patient was examined using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). She was provided a herbal medicine called Siddharthakadi Gulika at bed time. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) of the patient was recovered from severe to mild postpartum depression. Siddharthakadi Gulika has shown antidepressant as well as neuroleptic outcome in this patient. The contents of the formulation has pharmacological effects such as antidepressant, neuroprotective, adaptogenic.