Dissociative disorders constitute serious mental illness in which affected individuals escape reality in involuntary and unhealthy ways by suppressing memories or assuming alternate identities, usually to escape from or cope up with some form of trauma. The common symptoms of this condition include memory loss for certain time periods, events and people, mental health problems, depersonalization, derealization, and a blurred sense of identity. Dissociative disorders are usually of four types which include amnesia, identity disorder, fugue and the personalization. Treatment for this condition includes psychotherapy, hypnosis, medication, creative art therapy, and cognitive therapy, in which collective treatment may be required with coordinated efforts by a Psychiatrist, counselor, and social worker, possibly with a support system from family and friends. Though treatment can be difficult, many individuals suffering from this disorder are able to learn new ways of coping and lead healthy, productive lives.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be given either as independent therapy or as a supportive therapy to the modern management of this condition. Joint teamwork is usually preferable in successfully and safely handling such affected individuals. Ayurvedic medicines can be used in the management of this condition which help the affected individuals to cope up with trauma and help to adjust and accept reality. Ayurvedic medicines work on the nervous system as well as the brain and affect the thinking process of individuals in order to remove derealization and depersonalization, and bring about acceptance of reality and normal behaviour. Treatment needs to be aggressive and long-term in order to bring about good results.
Ayurvedic oral medication can also be supplemented with different Panchkarma treatments such as Shiro Basti, Shirodhara, medicated enemas, and full body massage. These Panchkarma treatments help to bring about earlier results, and improve the chances of full recovery. Depending upon the severity of the condition and degree of psychosis, most individuals affected with this condition require treatment ranging from six months to several years. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has definite and significant role to play in the management and treatment of dissociative disorders.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
