Effectiveness of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) In The Management Of Vishaada (Mild To Moderate Depressive Disorder) Among Adolescents: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial

Mental health is a part of overall health and well-being. It includes all the aspects viz. emotional, psychological as well as social well-being.  Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. The mental health services are the most neglected area among existing health care services. Inaccurate-assessment, lack of trained health-care providers and resources, lack of awareness, paucity of mental health specialists, low-socio-economic conditions and a social stigma of being managed for a mental health condition are the factors associated with its negligence. Promoting and protecting adolescents’ mental health will lead to great public health, economic and demographic benefits along with triple dividend health benefits – for adolescents now, for adolescents’ future lives and for the next generation too. Promotion of good sleeping and dietary habits, early detection and management of common problems (mental as well as social and sexual) may provide long term healthy lifestyle and morbidity and premature mortality may be reduced in adulthood.

Considering the spectrum of the problem, the present study has been undertaken  with a solution of improving adolescents’ mental health conditions as well as their quality of life.

**HYPOTHESIS:**Clinical symptoms of Depression are reduced with improvement in sleep and quality of life in adolescents aged 10-16 years, diagnosed with mild to moderate depressive disorder who receive oral administration of aqueous extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root 250mg per day in two divided doses (1 Capsule of 125mg twice daily) with lukewarm water along with counselling therapy for duration of 8 weeks compared with those who receive placebo with counselling therapy with identical doses and periods.