INTEGRATIVE MANAGEMENT OF ADJUSTMENT DISORDER: A CASE STUDY COMBINING AYURVEDA INTERVENTIONS AND COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Kavyanjali*, Ruwan Priyantha Liyanage, Savitha H. P.

Adjustment Disorder (AD) is a stress-induced psychological condition characterized by emotional and behavioral dysregulation in response to identifiable stressors, leading to significant functional impairment. This case study explores an integrative treatment approach combining Ayurveda and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for a 28-year-old female experiencing persistent stress, fear of strangers, anger outbursts, and crying spells following the cancellation of her engagement. Based on ICD-11 criteria, she was diagnosed with AD and assessed using the Adjustment Disorder–New Module 20 (ADNM-20) scale. The treatment spanned eight days and included external Ayurvedic therapies such as Sarvanga Abhyanga with Ksheerabala Taila, Parisheka with Dashamoola Kwatha, and Shiropichu with Brahmi Taila, alongside internal therapies including Anuvasana and Niruha Basti. Concurrently, an eight-session CBT protocol targeted cognitive restructuring, social exposure, anger regulation, mindfulness, and problem-solving, integrated with daily yoga and pranayama to enhance autonomic regulation. Post-intervention, the ADNM-20 score significantly reduced from 56 to 24, indicating a shift from high to low symptom load. Clinically, the patient demonstrated marked improvements in emotional regulation, social engagement, and coping capacity. The combined approach addressed both psychological and somatic components of AD by pacifying aggravated Vata and Rajas doshas, restoring gut-brain and neurocutaneous balance, and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns. This case highlights the therapeutic potential of integrating traditional Ayurvedic modalities with contemporary psychotherapeutic techniques in managing stress-related disorders. The findings advocate for a biopsychosocial model in mental health care that promotes holistic recovery and long-term emotional resilience through individualized and multidisciplinary intervention strategies.