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Ayurveda Based Intervention for Patients in Acute Psychiatric Crisis: Pilot Trial Using Community-Based Participatory Research

Background
Delivering an appropriate level of care during the acute phases of severe mental illness is a particularly tough task for community-based treatment of patients with significant mental diseases. Crisis intervention models of treatment based on Ayurveda have been created as a feasible solution.

Objective
To compare the effectiveness and safety of Ayurvedic crisis intervention to “standard care” for people with major mental illness who are having an acute episode

Methods
A community-based participation trial using Multidisciplinary Ayurveda based treatment to address acute crises of patients in community settings or, if possible, at their homes. The results were compared to the outcomes of non-randomised usual care groups.

Satwawajay Chikitsa (counselling & mind modulation through lifestyle changes), Yuktivyapashray Chikitsa (herbal supplements and therapeutic interventions, and Daivyapashray Chikitsa (interventions through spiritual or faith-based potions) are three Ayurvedic treatment modalities for mental health. The three modalities of treatment protocols were used as per the clinical and based on a one-on-one, whole-person approach.

Results
The results indicate that Ayurvedic crisis intervention was effective in restoring calm to patients and significantly reducing agitation and aggression. Ayurveda Crisis Intervention also reported a shorter hospital stay and less sedation.

Conclusion
Evidence is offered to indicate that intervention is feasible and acceptable in a community where shame, stigma, and cultural barriers are known to be limiting factors. Methodological issues are discussed, as well as future research prospects and implications for practice.