Randomised placebo controlled study on Sarasvata choorna in generalised anxiety disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22377/ijgp.v8i4.418Abstract
Background: Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by a pattern of frequent, persistent worry and anxiety, which is out of proportion to the impact of the event or circumstance that is the focus of the worry. GAD is associated with muscle tension, trembling, twitching, feeling shaky and muscle aches or soreness. Many individuals with GAD also experience somatic symptoms like sweating, nausea and diarrhoea. Epidemiological studies reveal that the prevalence rate of GAD in India is 5.8%. Objective: The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Sarasvata choorna in the management of GAD. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 114 patients with GAD satisfying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Text Revision (DSM IV – TR) diagnostic criteria were selected and randomly divided; of these, 102 patients completed the course of treatment. In trial group,Sarasvata choorna and in control group, placebo (wheat powder) was given with the dose of 1 g thrice a day (i.e. 3 g/day) along with madhu (honey) and ghrita (cow’s ghee) orally for 60 days. Fifteen days of follow up period was kept after treatment. Two assessments were done before and after treatment. Criterion of assessment was based on the scoring of Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‑A). Paired and unpaired ‘t’‑test was used for statistical analysis. Results and Conclusion: In trial group (n = 51), 51.1% improvement and in control group (n = 51), 47.67% of improvement was observed with the significance of (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in between the two groups. Sarasvata choorna did not provide better relief compared with placebo.
Key words: Generalised anxiety disorder, placebo, Sarasvata choorna
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