Abstract
Objective: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth most common psychiatric disorder and it interferes with interpersonal relationships, academic achievements, and work. OCD is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are thoughts which are unwanted, intrusive and unavoidable whereas compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts such as washing, cleaning, checking, touching, counting etc. Till date there is no proven drug or therapy in Ayurveda to manage OCD effectively. OCD is considered as ‘Bhutonmada’ according to Ayurveda. The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of “Kalyanaka ghrita” in the management of OCD.

Methods: In present study, 10 subjects with OCD, satisfying the DSM-IV Diagnostic criteria for OCD were selected by simple random sampling method. Kalyanaka ghrita was selected as a trial drug and it is administered with a dose of 10 ml, twice a day on empty stomach for the period of two months. One month after completion of treatment, follow-up was done. Before treatment (1st day), after treatment (60th day) and after follow-up (90th day), total three assessments were done. Criteria of assessment were based on the scoring of Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Effect of therapy based on total score of Y-BOCS has shown 20.4% relief (p < 0.001) after completion of treatment period and 44.21% (p < 0.001) after follow-up. Mild improvement is found in 90% subjects while 10% had moderate improvement.

Conclusions: Kalyanaka ghrita has provided clinically significant improvement in OCD.

Key words: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, Ayurveda, Kalyanaka ghrita, Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale