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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH

Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Its Ayurvedic Correlates: A Conceptual

Study

Dr. Chandni C. Pillai ¹

¹Assistant professor, Department of Roganidana , Nootan Ayurvedic College , Sankalchand Patel University ,

Visnagar, Gujarat.

Corresponding author: Dr. Chandni C.Pillai

Article Info: Published on : 15/01/2026

Cite this article as: - Dr. Chandni C.Pillai (2026) ; Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Its Ayurvedic Correlates: A Conceptual

Study;Inter .J. Dignostics and Research 3 (2) 21-28 , DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 8 2 5 8 8 5 5

Abstract

Purpose : Anxiety disorders occupy a lionshare among the dreadful psychiatry disorders . Among the

anxiety disorders, GAD is most prevalent. The ICD 10 definition of GAD is Anxiety that is generalized

and persistent but not restricted to, or even strongly predominating in any particular environmental

circumstances. In Ayurveda ,Cittakṣōbha, Aswasthacitta, Anavasthitacittatwa, Taptacitta Manōvikṣōbha

and Chittodvega are used to denote anxious states Method :The literary research was done through

various data bases such as published journals, research articles, classical references Result :The

symptoms of GAD are variable but is a combination of psychological and physical symptoms including

complaints of persistent worry, trembling, muscular tensions, sweating, palpitations, giddiness, and

epigastric discomfort. From the above symptoms , we can understand that anxiety is a vata-pitta

pradhana condition . Chittodvega is mentioned by Acharya Charaka while enumerating the

manasikarogas in Roganikam vimana chapter .It is also mentioned as poorvarupa of unmada , nidana of

sannipatajaatisara .Clinical state of Chittodvega holds close resemblance to GAD.

Conclusion :Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key for success of anxiety disorders as they cause grave

complications . Satwavayaja chikitsa along with necessary shodhana and shamanachikitsa can bring

tremendous results in Chittodvega.

Keywords – GAD, Chittodvega, Anxiety disorder

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

But no further explanation is given about this

Introduction :

condition. But all anuktavyadhi can be explained in

Anxiety is an emotion

observed and witnessed

terms of nidanapanchaka and dosha-dushya avstha

since time immemorial. In normal state , anxiety

stimulates an anticipatory and adaptive response to

the challenging situation. But when it turns

pathological, it is a debilitating disorder .In early

1800s, anxiety was treated as a separate physical

symptom. It was with the introduction of DSM III,

that the concept of general persistent anxiety was

included. Generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) is a

mental health disorder that produces fear, worry,

and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It is

for treatment purpose. This review aims to define

GAD

in

Ayurvedic

terms

for

its

better

understanding and treatment .

Materials And Methods :

Search Strategy :

A comprehensive systematic literature review was

conducted to identify studies related to anxiety

disorders and Ayurveda .The search was performed

across multiple electronic databases including

PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Dhara,

and Scopus. The search strategy employed the

following key terms: "Generalized anxiety disorder

AND Ayurveda ," "Anxiety disorders AND

characterized

by

excessive,

persistent,

and

unrealistic worry about everyday things.

Up to 20% of adults are affected by anxiety

disorders each year and the burden of disease in

young population is on a rise. Though it is the most

prevalent anxiety disorder , its diagnosis and

effective treatment is lacking greatly due to the

social stigma and fear of side effects of drugs .

Ayurveda gives much importance to mind and

consider it as one among the three pillars which

sustain the life ^[1].Acharya Vagbhata in the

beginning of his work Astangahridaya mentions

that mankind is affected by Raagadi rogas which

Ayurveda," and "Chittodvega."

Etc Boolean

operators were used to combine search terms

effectively.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria :

Studies were included if they:

1) addressed the relationship between Anxiety

and Ayurveda ,

2) discussed Ayurvedic approaches to GAD ,

3 ) specifically mentioned diagnostic principles

and correlation of GAD and Ayurveda ,

4 ) were published in English, and

5) were published within the last 10 years.

Studies were excluded if they:

includes Raga, Dweṣha, Abhiniveṣha etc which

[2]

causes mental disorders

.This verse has great

relevance in today’s competitive world . In

Ayurvedic classics , many terms are used to denote

[3]

anxious state of mind like Chittakṣhobha

1) lacked relevance to the research question,

2) were duplicate publications,

5],

Aswasthacitta

^[4],Anavasthitacittatwa^[

[7]

Manovikṣobha⁶and Chittodvega

.Among these ,

3) did not provide comprehensive findings, or

4) were not accessible in full text.

Chittodvega seems most accepted term to denote

generalized anxiety disorder . Chittodvega is listed

under Mano Doṣha Vikara by Acharya Charaka.

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Study Selection and Data Extraction^IN:^{TERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]}

samhita , but in Delhana commentary on the verse

explaining the term Shoka (Grief), this word is used

The initial search yielded 249 records. After

synonymously.

applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18

From the above interpretations, Chittōdvēga can be

studies were included for detailed analysis. Six

defined as a Chitta (mind) + Udvēga (anxeity) =

duplicate records were removed during the

Chittōdvēga – ‘Anxious status of a mind”.

screening process. The final selection included six

Chittodvega (anxious mind) is a perfect word for

articles with the most comprehensive findings

describing GAD.

relevant to the research question.

Pathophysiology and symptoms of GAD :

Quality Assessment :

Anxiety appears when one realizes that a proper

All

assessment based on their methodological rigor,

relevance to the research question, and

selected

studies

underwent

quality

adaptive action is not possible, ie, that there is loss

of control over the situation, and it involves an

activation of the HPA axis. In the presence of a

stressor, hypothalamus is stimulated, which in turn

comprehensiveness of findings. Priority was given

to peer-reviewed articles and systematic reviews

that provided insights into Chittodvega and GAD .

stimulate

the

to

release

adrenocorticotrophic releasing hormone, which

stimulate the adrenal cortex to release cortisol,

which is a major stress hormone. Cortisol helps to

maintain the glucose level in body and provide the

energy needed for physical response either flight or

fight. In addition to this, the adrenal medulla secrete

epinephrine that stimulate autonomic nervous

system causing signs and symptoms of anxiety. The

release of cortisol continues till the stressor is

present . Once its reaches a particular concentration

in the blood, it exert negative feedback and thus

bringing back body to normalcy. But in pathological

anxiety the stimulation of HPA axis occurs even in

the absence of an actual stressor and the feedback

mechanism is also poorly regulated. Generalized

Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is probably linked to a bias

in anticipating adverse circumstances, often without

any obvious threat. Another explanation of the

pathophysiology is the theory of behavioural

inhibitory system. The inhibition of ongoing

behaviour is one of the first behavioural symptoms

Results :

Etymology

and

definition

of

term

Chittodvega :

The term comprise of two words i.e. Chitta and

Udvega where chitta is a synonym of mind .

Udvega is derived from root “Ud” which has got

meanings like superiority in place, rank or power,

up, upwards, upon, on, over etc . Addition of “Vin”

Pratyaya to “Ud” i.e. Ud + Vin leads to Udvēga,

which has the

meanings , going fast, waving,

shaking, agitation, anxiety, regret, fear, distress,

admiration, astonishment etc.

The commentator of Samhitas did not give any

comment on the word “Udvēga”. Udvēga has been

described as causative factor for Vātaja Atisāra and

Apasmāra and

Ariṣṭa Laksana of Unmada .

The term Chittodvega cannot be found in Susrutha

as Pūrvarūpa and

Asādhya or

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Volume : 03 Issue : 02

of an anxious or fearful state. In the 1970s,^INJ^Te^Ef^Rfr^Ne^Ay^{TIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]}

Ayurvedic understanding of Anxiety :

Gray suggested that vulnerability to anxiety is

associated with individual differences in the activity

of a septo-hippocampal “behavioural inhibition

system,” or BIS. Anxiety reflects a central state

mediated by BIS activation, which is elicited by

threats of punishment or failure, and by novelty or

uncertainty. The results of BIS activation are an

inhibition of the ongoing behaviour, increased

arousal and attention to environmental stimuli,

especially novel stimuli.

SharirikaDoshas :Tridoṣha plays an important role

in the manifestation of the disease Chittodvega. In

our body Vāta is the controller (Niyanta) and

motivator (Praṇēta) of mind and seems to play a

major role in the aetiology of Chittodvega. ^[8]Vāta

is also responsible for Mano Vyapara (mental

disturbance) and gives rise to symptoms like

Bhaya, shoka, Moha, Dainya and Pralapa, further

[9]

leading to disease condition

The function of

Praṇa Vayu is to control Budhi, Citta, Indriyas and

Symptoms of Anxiety

Hridaya^[10].Udanavayu is responsible for memory

[11].

The symptoms are a combination of psychological

and physical symptoms. Major symptoms are

enlisted in table below.

Vitiation of VyanaVata produce symptom of

Chittotplava,Vitiation of Apana Vayu produce

symptoms of altered bowel habits and SamanaVata

cause gastrointestinal symptoms^.[12]The impact of

Pitta Prakopa especially Sadhaka Pitta Dusti in

Table 1 . Symptoms of GAD.

Psychological

symptoms

Physical symptoms

particular

and

Kapha

Kshaya,

particularly

TarpakaKapha are also associated causative factor.

• Fear and

• Increased muscle

tension

[13]

Sadhaka Pitta regulates Bhudhi , Medha

and

apprehension

• Inner tension and

restlessness

emotions like fear,courage .The Alocaka Pitta is

responsible for mental vision. When impaired , they

produce respective symptoms.

• Tremor

• Palpitation , chest

tightness

• Irritability

Manasika dosha : Rajas and tamas are the

manasika doshas and from the clinical state of

Chittodvega , it is evident that both rajas and tamo

guna are involved in samprapti.

• Impaired ability to

concentrate

• Shortness of breath

• Dry mouth

• Difficulty in

swallowing

• Increased startle

response

Satwa bala: Acharya Caraka classified individuals

• Increased

• Diarrhoea

based on satwabala into pravara (superior),

sensitivity to

• Dizziness and

faintness

[14]

madhyama (medium) and avara (inferior)

.

physical sensations

• Disturbed sleep

Among these, the persons with madhyama and

avarasatwa are prone to affliction of mental

disorders.

• Numbness and

tingling sensation

Agni ,dhatu &ojas : Acharya Caraka states that if

person is having grief, fear, anger, sorrow, even if

he take patyaahara according to matra , it will not

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digest. Hence role the Agni is evident . In anxiety,

various type of gastro-intestinal symptoms are

found which may be attributed to this reason. With

Caraka

Suśrutasamhita

Aṣṭāṅagahr

̥

Samhita

daya

1.Tama

1.Chittodvega-

(Su.su. 15/9)

2.

1. Kampa–

2. Ānāha -

(A.H.Su.11/

6)

improper diet, digestion

and dusti to hridaya ,

(Ca.Su,20/11)

2. Bhrama –

(Ca.Su. 20/11)

3.Vishāda

which is prime abode of rasa, there is evident rasa

dusti. Also Athichintana (excessive thinking ) is a

factor for vitiation of rasavaha srotas ^[15].Hridaya is

also the seat of ojas and its dusti is also evident

Nidrānāsa(Su.Su.

15/13)

3.

(Ca.Su.20/11)

4. Atipralāpa-

(Ca.Su.20/11)

5.Aswapna-

(Ca.Su.20/11)

6.Anavasthita

Cittatva

BalaBhrams

a-

from lakshanas

Excessive Worry)

pleasure), Durmana(Loss of interest),

like Abhiksanam Dhyanam(

Vyathitendriyatwa(Lack

of

(A.H. Su.

11/6)

Bibheti-

(Fearful anticipation^{) [16]}

Nidana Panchaka :

Nidana :

.

4.

SakrtGraha-

(A.H. Su.

11/6)

Manobhighata (mental trauma) in the form of

various life events, death of dear ones ,

Prajnaparadha resulting in wrong utilization of

(Ca.Su.20/11)

7.Bhaya-

6.

(Ca.Su.12/8)

8.Śōka(Ca.Su12

/8)

Pralāpa(A.

H. Su. 11/6)

7

senses

and

Asatmya

indriyartha

samyoga

can be

(unwholesome

sensory

perception)

considered as causative factor for this disease

9.Dainya(Ca.Su

12/8)

Brama(A.H.

Su. 11/6)

Poorvarupa:

Manifestation of clinical symptoms in subtle form

can be considered as poorvarupa.

10. Pralāp-

(Ch.Su. 12/8)

Roopa

Clinical features of Chittodvega is not mentioned in

classics , but the symptoms based on Dōṣa involved

has been summarized in Tables 2 and 3 .

Table no.2: Vatadustilakshans :

Table no.3. Pitta Dustilakshanas :

Caraka(Ca.S

u 12/11)

Bhaya

Suśrutasamhith

a

Asthangahr̥ day

a

1.Alpa nidrata

(Su.Su 15/13)

2.Indriya

Alpanidrata

(A.H. Su. 11/6)

Krōdha

Mōha

Daurbalya

(Su.Su 15/13)

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Samprapti :

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

CONCLUSION :

Nidana Sevana may directly lead to vitiation of

Manasika Doṣa ,causing Hridaya Dusti as Hridaya

is the Sthanas of Manas. This will lead to vitiation

of Manovaha Srotas leading to Manovikara.

According to etiology and presentation GAD can

be compared to Chittodvega .The early diagnosis

and treatment is the key step in any disease and it

holds

true

for

psychiatric

illnesses

too.

Understanding the disease in Ayurvedic way will

be more acceptable to patients than being labeled a

psychiatry patient owing to social stigma. It will

have positive effect on treatment outcomes

too.Satwavajaya Chikitsa and Daivavyapasraya

chikitsa are unique non-pharmacological approach

for treating the mental disorders in Ayurveda .If

employed properly , monitoring the avastha of roga

along with shaman and shodhana therapies

wherever necessary ,

tremendous effects.

these can bring about

Chart : Schematic representation of samprapti of

Acknowledgment:

chittodvega

The author would like to acknowledge the

resources and support provided by Nootan

Ayurveda College and Research Centre for

accessing relevant literature.

Discussion :

GAD is a mental disorder causing significant

worldwide morbidity. Yet its diagnosis remains

greatly less due to the neglecting symptoms,

reluctance to disclose and co-morbidities . The

etiology of the disease is an interplay of

predisposing , precipitating and perpetuating factors

Chittodvega is a clinical condition characterized by

UdvēgaAvastha of Manas producing both Śārīrika

and Mānasika symptoms .A person having Alpa

Satwa under constant stress from social life and

occupation , along with improper diet and regimen

result in imbalance of Śārīrika Dōṣas and Manō

Doshas, along with the vitiation of Agni &

depletion of Ōjas which present as psychosomatic

disease Chittodvega. The major symptoms of the

disease include Bhaya, Udvēga ,Nidrānāsa , Śōka,

Krōdha, which are similar to the symptoms of

Generalized anxiety disorder .

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Volume : 03 Issue : 02

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Copyright @ : - Dr.Chandni C.Pillai Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID0091 |ISSN :2584-2757

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NidanaSthanam, 16th

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

chapter, 15th sloka,

p.537

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Dr. Chandni C.Pillai Inter. J.Digno. and Research

This work is licensed under Creative

Commons Attribution 4.0 License

Submission Link : http://www.ijdrindia.com

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Benefits of Publishing with us

Fast peer review process

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revised by Charaka and Dridhabala with the

Global archiving of the articles

Unrestricted open online access

Author retains copyright

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of

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(Choukambha

Sanskrit

Unique DOI for all articles

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https://ijdrindia.com

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Declaration :

Conflict of Interest : None

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