REVIEWING THE AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF CHITTODVEGA IN THE LIGHT OFGENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

Mental health is increasingly becoming a serious global concern due to the high levels of stress in modern life. While feelings of anxiety are part of normal human experience, the fast-paced and unstable nature of today’s lifestyle has led to a sharp rise in mental health disorders. Despite advances in modern medicine, current treatments for anxiety often fall short in offering lasting relief and may cause adverse effects like sedation, dependency, or drug resistance. Ayurveda, known for its holistic and psychosomatic approach, provides a deeper understanding of mental health. The condition termed Chittodvega in Ayurvedic texts, particularly by Acharya Charaka, closely resembles what modern psychiatry defines as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It may arise independently or contribute to other psychosomatic disorders. This study aims to review the concept of Chittodvega as found in classical Ayurvedic texts and evaluate its effective management through Ayurvedic interventions, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional therapy.