Published Paper Details:

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide and constitute a substantial burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Contemporary psychiatry conceptualizes anxiety as a spectrum of disorders characterized by excessive fear, worry, and autonomic disturbances. In contrast, the Unani system of medicine does not recognize anxiety as an independent nosological entity; rather, it describes anxiety-related manifestations under the concepts of Iztir?b-e-Nafs?n?, Khauf, Wasw?s, and, in severe and chronic forms, Malankholia. These conditions are attributed to derangement of temperament (Sue-Miz?j), imbalance of humours (Akhl??), particularly Saud?, and dysfunction of psychic faculties involving the brain (Dim?gh), heart (Qalb), vital spirit (R??), and psyche (Nafs). The present review critically analyses the concept, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and principles of management of anxiety in Unani medicine and correlates these classical concepts with contemporary scientific understanding. A comprehensive review of classical Unani literature, including Al-Q?n?n fi'l-Tibb, Al-H?w?, and Zakh?ra-e-Khwarazm Sh?h?, along with contemporary scientific literature indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and AYUSH-related databases, was undertaken to identify experimental, clinical, and pharmacological studies related to anxiety and Unani therapeutics. The review indicates that Unani medicine offers a holistic and individualized approach to anxiety management based on T?d?l-e-Miz?j (correction of deranged temperament), Tanqiya-e-Akhl?? (evacuation of morbid humours), Taqwiyat-e-Dim?gh wa Qalb (strengthening of the brain and heart), Taskeen-e-Nafs (psychological reassurance), and lifestyle modification. Several medicinal plants and formulations, including Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Melissa officinalis, and Borago officinalis, have demonstrated anxiolytic, sedative, and adaptogenic activities in experimental studies, thereby supporting classical therapeutic claims. The Unani system of medicine provides a comprehensive, integrative, and preventive framework for the management of anxiety by addressing its physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. Further well-designed experimental and clinical studies are warranted to scientifically validate these traditional concepts and strengthen the role of Unani medicine in evidence-based integrative mental healthcare.