Researchers from Maharishi International University (MIU) and Augusta University have conducted the largest review and meta-analysis to date on meditation for PTSD treatment. Analyzing 61 studies with over 3,400 participants, the study compared four categories of meditation: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Other techniques (MBO), Other Meditations (OM), and Transcendental Meditation (TM). Effect sizes for the first three categories of meditation ranged from -.52 to -.66, a moderate effect, compared to -1.13 for TM, a large effect. Results indicate that TM is significantly more effective compared to each of the other modalities. The study is published in Medicina 2024, 60(12), 2050.
Lead author MIU Professor Emeritus Dr. David Orme-Johnson explained, “Our findings show that all meditation techniques studied can help alleviate PTSD symptoms, but TM stands out as producing the largest and most consistent reductions across diverse trauma populations. Studies show that TM works in men and women, in youth and the elderly, in war veterans and war refugees, in women survivors of interpersonal violence, in prison inmates, in tsunami and earthquake survivors, and in nurses who became traumatized during the 2019 pandemic.”
Robust Selection Criteria and Advanced Statistical Methods
This meta-analysis sets a new standard in rigor and comprehensiveness, adhering to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The study included longitudinal research designs such as randomized controlled trials, controlled trials, and single-group case series, ensuring a comprehensive dataset. The researchers analyzed within-group effects, which show how much PTSD changes over time due to treatment, and then directly compared different meditation techniques on this measure.
Dr. Orme-Johnson noted, “We employed meta-regression to identify predictors of effectiveness, such as type of trauma, age, and research design. These methods allowed us to control for all variables that influence the size of the effect, making our conclusions about differences in meditation techniques highly reliable.”
A Supplementary Solution
Meditation, especially TM, offers a complementary approach that can enhance standard medical care, providing a natural and effective way to promote full recovery.
Second author Dr. Vernon Barnes, Emeritus Assistant Professor, Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University, shared his perspective: “I’ve been teaching TM in a hospital clinic for 12 years, working with soldiers experiencing PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. The clinic is regarded as cutting edge for the treatment of complex concussion, which includes combat-related PTSD. TM is one of the few interventions with benefits that can be immediately translated into improved care in military medicine.”
Co-author Brian Rees, Colonel (Ret.), Medical Corps, U.S. Army Reserve added: "TM offers a non-trauma focused modality that produces clinically significant mitigation of the symptoms of traumatic stress without the discomfort associated with psychologically demanding standard therapies."
Implications for Active-Duty Military Members, Veterans and Beyond
The review covered a wide range of trauma populations and was well accepted. Of the individuals offered TM, 86% were willing to try it, and 92% completed the instruction and continued the twice-daily practice—a testament to its accessibility and acceptability. Dr. Barnes emphasized, “This meta-analysis surpasses previous reviews in scope and depth, making it an important resource for policymakers and healthcare providers looking to implement evidence-based PTSD interventions.”
The authors recommend large-scale clinical trials to further validate TM’s efficacy and to explore its integration into diverse healthcare settings. With the growing recognition of meditation as a valuable tool for mental health, this study positions TM as a vital component in the future of PTSD treatment.
One Reviewer’s Comment
One of the reviewers commented that this was an excellent review to contribute to the research community as it explains how meditation modalities compare with one another and highlights key directions for further research. “The results on the transformative power of TM are especially potent and have come in line with increasing focus on non-pharmacological treatment for PTSD.”
Building on Previous Research in the Field of Meditation and Health
This study builds upon prior research from MIU and elsewhere indicating potential health benefits of Transcendental Meditation that include lowering high blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk, and improvements in mental health. The present study offers a comprehensive look at how this meditation technique compares with other meditation types for treatment of PTSD and is an important addition to the Medicina Special Issue “Transcendental Meditation and Treatment for Stress” whose articles relate to effects of stress on both individuals and society as a whole.
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