Abstract

SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MADATHIYAM (DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE) – A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Dr. S. Siva Josyaa*, Dr. S. Karthik Nagarajan, Dr. M. V. Mahadevan, Dr. N. J. Muthukumar and Dr. V. Banumathi

ABSTRACT

The drug abuse symptoms are correlated with madathiyam (kudiveri noi). Drug abuse constitutes physical and psychological symptoms. Most of cough syrup containing antihistamines and codeine is being increasingly noted. The use of antihistamines alone or in combination with other substances of abuse may predispose individuals to develop psychiatric symptoms or syndromes as a part of intoxication, withdrawal or as co-morbid conditions. Present case was carried out in OPD of Sirappu Maruthuvam department, National Institute of Siddha, Ayothidass pandithar Hospital, Tambaram Sanatorium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Here presented a case study reports co-morbid psychopathology in association with antihistamine abuse and dependence. The case demonstrates the occurrence of psychotic syndromes associated with heavy codeine and pheniramine use. The psychopathology can vary from an independent psychotic syndrome to an organic brain syndrome -like disorder. The patient was assessed by Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) score and HAM-D scale. The treatment has shown marked improvement in relieving all the symptoms and assessed scales.

Keywords: Madathiyam, Drug abuse or dependence, antihistamine cough syrup, Siddha, HAM-D scale, COWS scale.