Abstract
Munchausen Syndrome is a psychotic disorder in which a person tries to get attention by claiming themselves sick. It is very difficult to diagnose this condition and it is more difficult to treat it. The person is purely dishonest about his/her health condition and progression. In this article, we will discuss all of Munchausen Syndrome and also its management in Ayurveda.
Introduction
Munchausen Syndrome is a psychotic condition in which a person pretends to be ill or deliberately produces symptoms of illness. Their main intention is to be the center of attention. They lie about the medical test reports and may harm themselves to get the symptoms. Munchausen Syndrome is also known as a factitious disorder imposed on the self. The person may undergo painful tests and surgeries just to prove themselves right. They may also harm themselves to get the symptoms and pretend to be seriously injured or ill. Some patients can claim to have symptoms that cannot be physically checked such as stomach ache, headache, feeling of nausea, vision problems, and many more.
Ayurvedic aspect
In Ayurveda, three mental Gunas named as- Sattva Guna, Rajas Guna, and Tamas Guna are categorized for the mind. These gunas have their distinctive qualities and the state of our mind totally depends upon the aggravation and calmness of the Gunas. Sattva guna is considered to be flawless while Rajas represents agony and action) and Tamas guna represents dormancy and passivity. Sattav guna is considered pure and superior to Rajas and Tamas guna. All 3 gunas have the subtypes that make them 16 in total. We can correlate these psychotic disorders to get attention under Rajas and Tamas guna manodasha. These two gunas are responsible for all types of mental disorders. When these gunas increase to a level that is uncontrolled by our mind and they overlap the satv guna in the mind. Total loss of satv guna and aggravation of rajas and tamas guna along with aggravation of Vata dosha in the body causes these psychotic disorders.
Causes
Munchausen Syndrome can be caused due to
- Childhood traumas may include-
- Parental neglect
- Abandonment
- Unresolved issues with parents
- The improper upbringing of the child
- Environmental factors
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome are
- Having symptoms that do not match the test reports
- Frequent visits to many hospitals in different areas
- Complaining of serious symptoms with a complex medical history
- The person has very good medical knowledge
- Symptoms worsen without any strong reason and pathology
- Symptoms don't quite fit in any disease
Diagnosis
- Munchausen Syndrome is diagnosed based on the clinical and behavioral assessment of the person.
- The person pretends to be ill and no symptoms are seen in reality.
- The patient may convince the doctor often but the diagnosis is to be very clear to prove the condition.
Treatment
The treatment for Munchausen Syndrome includes
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurveda offers various treatment modalities for such mental disorders that includes
1. Yoga and Meditation
Doing yoga and meditation regularly by managing time from the busy day schedule implies one cares for their body. They help by enhancing body fitness physically and relaxing the mind.
2. Diet plans
Since Munchausen Syndrome occurs due to Tamas and Rajas guna. The satvik diet can help reduce the symptoms. Satvik diet enhances Sattav guna in the body which ultimately increases harmony, and maintains balance in the mind of the person. You can get a recommended diet from Planet Ayurveda's experts.
3. Satvavajaya Chikitsa
Mental conditions occur due to lack of Satwa within the mind, along with disbalance of gunas due to stress in everyday life. Satvavajaya Chikitsa plays an important role in treating such mental disorders. The concept of Satvavajaya Chikitsa works on balancing the nature of the mind through non-pharmacological methods. It can be defined as ayurvedic psychotherapy. Since Sattav, Rajas, and Tamas guna are displayed by god in our minds. Praying to god for goodwill and positivity in your life can help the person recover in a better way and in less time. This spiritual practice is indicated in most diseases along with mental disorders.
4. Spiritual Therapy
As discussed before in the article, Rajas and Tamas guna is the cause of disease. While satwa guna is the sole cause of health. The actions of the Tamas and Rajas guna person lead to the imbalance of tridosha and thus the occurrence of diseases. Spiritual therapy allows us to move from darkness to light which means to move away from ignorance towards the light of awareness. The disease cannot affect the person who has awakened into the light of realization - Sattvik person. This is possible by making a connection with the environment, practicing yoga and meditation, following dincharya, and using aroma and color therapies. Yet, it may be difficult to adopt a harmonious lifestyle but it is not impossible. Once you reach that level of spirituality, leave behind the darkness of Rajas and Tamas and proceed further in life with quality of clarity and purity.
Herbal Medications for Munchausen Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda
These medicines are patent products of Planet Ayurveda which is a leading manufacturing company in India. All its medicines are 100% vegetarian and free of any kind of chemicals, preservatives, and adulteration. All these medicines are pure and launched in the market after their efficiency test. Our drugs are fully potent to heal the condition they are meant to be prepared for plus also enhance and favor other organs functioning. In addition, their properties are very well studied and implemented according to the disease's cause and dosha involvement in it. The basic treatment includes the following medicines -
1. Gotukola Capsules
These capsules are prepared from the standardized extracts of Gotukola (Centella asiatica). They balance all three doshas of the body along with all three psychic energies that help in maintaining a healthy nervous system and brain. It maintains proper blood flow to the brain and eases symptoms of tiredness, frustration, lack of energy, insomnia, negative thoughts, etc that may help in relieving symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome.
2. Neurogenie Capsules
These wonderful capsules are made with Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and roots of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These herbs are very efficient in treating brain disorders. In psychotic patients, it helps to gain control of their thoughts.
Dosage- Have 2 capsules twice daily after meal with Plain Water.
3. Sarotovahi Capsules
These capsules are prepared from herbs such as Shilajit (Asphaltum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Marich (Piper nigrum), etc. These capsules give a positive impact on all microchannels that connect the brain to the body. Also, they maintain healthy flow in the Strotas by removing the blockage from them.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice daily after meal with Plain Water .
4. Mahakalyanak Ghrit
This formulation is prepared with kwath of various dravyas- Shwet sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla), Jati (Jasminum officinale), Gaughrit (Cow ghee), Padmak (Prunus cerasoides), Gaudugdha (Cow milk), etc and kalks of dravyas like - Medha (Polygonatum cirrhifolium), Kakoli (Lilium polyphyllum), Karkatshringi (Pistacia integerrima), etc. Consuming this ghrit regularly strengthens the brain and helps the person to have more positive emotions, thoughts, and behavior and visualize reality to the person.
Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon of ghrit twice daily with warm water or warm milk.
Conclusion
Various ayurvedic formulations are being used in several mental disorders. Ayurveda treatment aims at treating the root cause of the disease by using various strategies that include dietary management, lifestyle modification (including yoga and spiritual therapy), and herbal treatment. Diets and lifestyles are recommended according to each person's disease condition (extent) and individual Prakriti. It promotes physical health and healing of the mind through various methods. It also offers various methods to manage Munchausen Syndrome. Medications reduce the symptoms very effectively. Yet, few patients may need a full treatment plan along with diet plans and other therapies including yoga and meditation