Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2025
08:20
Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
3.9K
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Transcendental Meditation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
David W Orme-Johnson1, Vernon A Barnes2, Brian Rees3
1Faculty Emeritus, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA 52556, USA.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|April 26, 2025
Summary
Transcendental Meditation (TM) significantly reduces PTSD symptoms in diverse populations. This technique demonstrated a large effect size, outperforming other meditation types and showing faster results than some standard therapies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Previous meta-analysis indicated Transcendental Meditation (TM) has a large effect size (g = -1.13) for PTSD symptom reduction.
- This follow-up study aimed to further characterize TM's effects using internal controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Transcendental Meditation (TM) as a treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- To compare TM's effectiveness against other treatments and assess its speed of action.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search following Prisma guidelines identified 15 controlled trials of TM for PTSD.
- Included studies encompassed military and civilian populations of all age groups.
- Effect sizes were calculated using a random effects model.
Main Results:
- Transcendental Meditation (TM) showed a pooled effect size of g = -1.01 (95% CI = -1.29 to -0.74) compared to other treatments.
- TM was found to be non-inferior to prolonged exposure therapy and demonstrated significantly faster results.
- Analysis indicated no significant risk of bias and consistent effects across studies.
Conclusions:
- Transcendental Meditation (TM) offers clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms for diverse populations.
- The findings support TM as a viable treatment option for PTSD in both civilian and military individuals.
- Further phase-III multisite studies are recommended to compare TM with established first-line PTSD treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
16
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
16
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
17
Regular exercise and meditation serve as essential tools in managing stress and promoting physical and mental well-being.
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
17