Evaluation of Placebo Response in Patients of Vishada w.s.r. to Depression

Abstract

Background:Ayurveda describes mental health as an equilibrium of body, mind, and soul. Vi??da, correlated with depression, is considered a Manasika Roga caused by vitiation of V?ta and Raja Do?a. Placebo response plays an important role in psychological disorders due to emotional expectancy, reassurance, and therapeutic interaction. Objectives:To evaluate the therapeutic response of placebo intervention in patients suffering from Vi??da (Depression). Materials and Methods:A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 62 patients diagnosed with Vi??da (Depression) attending the OPD/IPD of the Department of Kayachikitsa, Patients aged between 18–60 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected. Assessment was carried out using history taking, case record form, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. All participants received placebo tablets of 500 mg prepared from roasted rawa for four weeks with follow-up assessments at baseline, 2nd week, and 4th week. Statistical analysis was performed using Repeated Measure ANOVA followed by Tukey Kramer multiple comparison test. Results: The mean HAM-D score reduced significantly from 21.72 at baseline to 17.93 at 2nd week and 14.59 at 4th week (p<0.0001). Significant improvement was observed in all follow-up comparisons including baseline vs 2nd week, baseline vs 4th week, and 2nd week vs 4th week. Most patients exhibited mild to marked improvement in symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, disturbed sleep, fatigue, and emotional distress. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that placebo therapy may produce measurable symptomatic improvement in patients of Vi??da (Depression) through psychological reassurance, expectancy effects, supportive care, and therapeutic interaction. However, the therapeutic response was variable and comparatively limited, suggesting that placebo intervention alone may not provide adequate or sustained clinical benefit in depressive disorders.