Published Paper Details:

Anxiety disorder (Izter?b-i-Nafs?n?) involves both psychological and physiological elements, comprising somatic, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects. According to Unani Medicine, anxiety falls within the domain of Infial?t-i-Nafs?niyya, which refers to psychic reactions. This concept involves the movement of the pneuma (Ru?) and blood, facilitated by the vital faculty (Quwwat-i-?aiw?niyya). Unani Medicine adopts a holistic approach, addressing both preventive and curative aspects of patient care. Psychiatric disorders, known as Amr??-i-Nafs?niyya in the Unani system of medicine. Treatment modalities in Unani medicine encompass Regimenal Therapy, Dietotherapy and Pharmacotherapy. This review outlines various essential forms of Regimenal therapy, such as Dalak (Massage), ?amm?m (Turkish bath), Na??l (Irrigation), Takm?d (Fomentation) and Riy??at (Exercise), alongside commonly used Unani pharmacotherapeutic approaches documented in reliable Unani literature. In modern practice, treatments for anxiety encompass CBT, Deep Muscle Relaxation and various medications like Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, SNRIs and Beta Blockers. While effective initially, prolonged use of these drugs can lead to dependency, resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, nightmares, headache, or paresthesias and ultimately depression which often accompanies bipolar disorder. Conversely, Unani medicine employs Tonics (Muqawwiy?t), Exhilarants (Mufarri??t) and Evacuants (Munaqqiy?t), alongside Regimenal therapies, aimed at strengthening vital organs and eliminating morbid humour and moreover has least side effects and also are cost effective to be used in long term. However this review paper aims to delve into the rich tapestry of Unani literature to elucidate the conceptualization and therapeutic approaches towards Amr??-i-Nafs?niyya.