Ayurvedic Management of Somatic Symptom Disorder : A Case Report

This is a case of Somatic symptom disorder treated with Virechana, Ayurveda oral medications and Satvavajaya chikitsa. The 42-year-old female subject had complaints of pain in right flanks for 14 months associated with high levels of anxiety about the pain and disturbed sleep. The subject has been repeatedly visiting different physicians and had undergone various investigations, the findings of which was not coinciding with the severity of pain she was facing. The Health Anxiety Index score was 71 and Whiteley Index of hypochondriasis (WI-7) score 31. The Ayurveda treatment included Yuktivyapashraya chikitsa with classical Virechana preceded by Snehapana (~internal administration of medicated fats) with Panchagavya ghrita and Satvavajaya chikitsa(~therapy to enhance mental health) with personalised psychotherapies and regular yoga sessions. The Health Anxiety Index score was 2 and Whiteley Index of hypochondriasis (WI-7) score 11 after treatment. This case report summarises the management of Somatic symptom disorder through ayurvedic interventions.