An Ayurvedic perspective on the psychological effects of recurrent dermatological disorders: A cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

Ayurveda and Buddhist philosophy have strongly described the relationship between skin diseases and mental health. Correspondingly, modern research highlighted the similar interconnection between psychological well-being and dermatological conditions. According to the secondary data, approximately 39.4% of individuals suffering from dermatological issues worldwide experience mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression. As Ayurveda is the science that intricately explains the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, discovering the potential for implementing the ancient science in modern society is important. The objective of this survey study is to explore the impact of mental states (Manasika guna) described in Ayurveda on the prevalence of recurrent dermatological disorders (Kushta roga), to develop a comprehensive management and rehabilitation system for patients with recurrent skin diseases based on Ayurvedic theories. Emotional factors, behavioural factors, and three types of Manasika guna (Mental qualities) mentioned in Ayurveda (Sathva, Rajas, Thamas) were considered as independent variables, and factor analysis was employed to identify the interrelationship with skin disease based on prominent Dosha of Vatha, Pittha, and Kapha of the Kushta Roga (three main types of skin disease) as three dependent variables. Mixed types of data were collected through direct observational non-interventional interviewing, through an intervieweradministered questionnaire from randomly selected 250 individuals out of 1126 patients diagnosed as Kushta roga (dermatological disorders) at the Dermatology Clinic of Borella Ayurveda National Hospital, in 2019. As per the SPSS analysis, the data were reliable (Cronbach’s Alpha ≥ 0.6) and normally distributed. Multiple regression analysis has revealed a significant positive relationship (P ≤ 0.05) between each type of Kushta roga and emotional factors, behavioural factors, rajas, and thamas mental qualities. Conversely, sathva mentality exhibited a significant negative relationship. Moreover, 72.8% of the patients exhibited misbehaviour and a low emotional status (78%). Rajas Guna was higher than 68.8% and Thamas Guna showed 65.6% of them. Sattva Guna was less than 61.2%. Accordingly, it is concluded that frustrated emotional factors, aggressive behaviours, and low psychological conditions are responsible for chronic skin disease and recurrent occurrences. Further clinical research is suggested, including biochemical analysis, to introduce a new psycho-dermatological treatment protocol.