Yaksha grahonmada: Bipolar disorder with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Abstract

Yaksha grahonmada (YG) is one among 18 types of grahonmada/bhootonmada . Bhootonmada is a broad category which includes various psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions, and they are assumed to be caused by the affliction of evil spirits. Till date, no studies have been conducted on YG, and the concept, as well as clinical applicability of YG, is still not explored. The present study is focused on better understanding of YG and its clinical applicability. YG is characterized by Asakrit haasya rodana (frequent changes of mood/rapid cycling/emotional lability), Asakrit swapna (hypersomnia/sleep disturbances), Nritya, geeta, vaadya, paatha, kathaa ratim (fond of music, artistic, and creative activities), Annapaana ratim (increased appetite), Snaana, maalya, dhoopa, gandha ratim (fond of garlands, bathing, perfumes, etc.), Vipulta, trasta, rakta nayana (reddish, tired eyes with abnormal eye movements), Druta mati/ Druta gati (agitations/restlessness/increased psychomotor activity), Rakta vastra ratim (fond of red color dresses/flamboyant), Sagarvam mattamiva gachhantam/kasmai kim dadaamin vaadinam (grandiosity), Bahu bhaashinam and alpa vaak (pressure of speech and psychomotor retardation/social withdrawal), Stree lolupam (hypersexuality), hrushtam/tushtam (euphoria/positive mood), Avyatham (reduced pain intensity), Ati balinam (excessive energy), madya priyam (alcohol abuse), amisha priyam (fond of meat), rahasya bhaashinam (revealing secrets/pressure of speech), Chalitaagra hastam (stereotypy or mannerisms of hands), dvijati vaidya paribhaavinam (hostility), Sutejasam, shubha gandham, alpa rosham, sahishnu (various obsessive-compulsive features), etc., features. The clinical picture of YG shows similarity with bipolar disorder(BD) associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Various obsessive-compulsive features along with features of mania and depression are seen in YG symptomatology.