Managing Chronic Schizophrenia (Vataja Unmada) through structured Ayurvedic Treatment: A Case Report

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder marked by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized behaviour, and social withdrawal, with many patients experiencing partial improvement or relapses despite antipsychotics. In Ayurveda, it correlates with Unmada, a severe disturbance of Manas, Buddhi, and Cheshta. This case discusses a 47-year-old woman with a 20-year history of Schizophrenia presenting with auditory hallucinations, paranoia, aggression, and poor self-care, who showed minimal improvement with Psychiatric medications. She was diagnosed as Vataja Unmada with Pitta Anubandha and treated through a structured Ayurvedic protocol including Snehana, Swedana, Shirodhara, Virechana, Yoga Basti, and Internal medications such as Kalyanaka Ghrita, Unmada Gajakesari Rasa, and Smriti Sagara Rasa for three months, along with Satvavajaya Chikitsa. Significant improvement was observed in sleep, cognition, and social interaction, with the PANSS score reduced from 90 to 34. Follow-up over one year showed maintained recovery and no relapses, highlighting Ayurveda’s role in chronic schizophrenia.