GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES: A CRITI-CAL REVIEW THROUGH THE LENS OF AYURVEDA

Background: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition characterised by ex-cessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. In contemporary times, due to heightened psychoso-cial stressors, its incidence has significantly increased. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a unique psychospiritual and physiological approach to mental disorders, including conditions similar to GAD, through the concepts of Chittodvega, Manovaha Srotodushti, and Rajas-Tamovriddhi. Aim: To critically analyse Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) through Ayurvedic principles and explore its integrative management. Ob-jectives: To study Ayurvedic concepts related to Chittodvega and Manovaha Srotodushti. To correlate GAD symptoms with Ayurvedic Manasika Vikara. To review Ayurvedic therapies like Medhya Rasayana and Satt-vavajaya Chikitsa. To evaluate modern research on Ayurvedic treatments for GAD. To propose an integrative Ayurvedic–modern management approach. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya), commen-taries, and modern psychiatric literature, including the DSM-5 criteria for GAD. Research databases such as PubMed, the AYUSH Research Portal, and Scopus were used to compile evidence on Ayurvedic interventions and their clinical efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Results: GAD aligns closely with Chittodvega and Manasika Vikara in Ayurveda. The roles of Rajas and Tamas in the pathogenesis are emphasised, along with Ojakshaya and Pranavaha Srotodushti. Management approaches involving Medhya Rasayana (such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Mandukaparni), Sattvavajaya Chikitsa, Panchakarma, and Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa were found to be potentially effective, with modern studies supporting their anxiolytic and adaptogenic effects. Conclusion: Ayurveda provides a holistic and individualised approach to the understanding and man-agement of GAD, with a strong emphasis on balancing Triguna, restoring Srotas function, and enhancing Satva. Integrative mental health care incorporating Ayurvedic strategies holds promise for effective and sustainable management of Generalised Anxiety Disorder in the contemporary era.