Psychopathology in Ayurveda: A Conceptual Overview

Abstract

Understanding the Morbid mental states of man has always been challenging since time immemorial. Humoral, demonic, astrological and physical theories are few of the primitive theories which tried to explain the morbid mental states. Recent theories like the genetic, psychological, behavioural and biochemical theories gave a scientific outlook for understanding various psychiatric problems. The psychological theory considers the concepts of topography, ego defense mechanisms, and psychosexual development in understanding morbid mental states. Similar concept of psychopathology in Ayurveda is available which considers various psychological factors, whose impairment at various stages of life result in specific psychiatric problems.

Keywords: Psychopathology, Manasa vikara, Psychological factors