Transgender meditation can significantly reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms

Veterans with PTSD who used the Transcendental Meditation approach showed dramatic reductions in the depth of PTSD symptoms, according to a new study published today in Journal of Traumatic Stress. Fifty percent of veterans did not meet criteria for PTSD after three months compared with just 10 percent of controls. The randomized controlled study also showed significant reductions in veterans’ symptoms of depression and anxiety, and sleep problems.

“Transcendental Meditation is an easily trauma-focused technology found in this study to improve PTSD symptoms, possibly through physical relaxation experience,” said Mayer Bellehsen, Ph.D., director of United. Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and their Families, Northwell Health, and chief investigator. “Compared to commonly administered therapies for trauma-focused PTSD and based on patient memory of past traumatic experiences, this intervention does not require a comprehensive review of traumatic history, which is difficult for some individuals to engage in. more tolerable for some people struggling with PTSD. “

The randomized controlled trial, conducted at Northwell Health in Bay Shore, New York, brought 40 veterans with PTSD enrolled to the Transcendental Meditation (TM) group or treated as a standard control group. The TM treatment took 16 sessions over 12 weeks, with home use twice a day. The depth of PTSD symptom was assessed by the Clinical Administration-PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), and self-report of patients with PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).

The results showed significant effect sizes, showing a strong TM treatment effect in reducing trauma symptoms for all stages of PTSD. Other trauma-related factors, such as depression and anxiety symptoms and sleep problems, also showed a strong effect of TM treatment.

This trial validates major clinical trial results published in Lancet Psychology. The current study further supports the effectiveness of Transcendental Meditation as a first-line treatment for PTSD in veterans. Veterans will benefit from access to additional evidence-based treatment, both by offering them a wider range of options and by serving as an alternative treatment strategy for those who do not wish to engage. the treatment is trauma-based or does not respond to previous PTSD intervention. “

Sanford Nidich, Ed.D., S.tudy Co-researcher. Director of the Center for Social-Emotional Health, Maharishi International University Research Institute

The authors indicate in their research paper that TM may have a positive effect on the depth of trauma symptoms through the reduction of hyperarousal symptoms. Previous research has shown that the use of TM reduces physiological responses to stress stimuli. In addition, recent research shows that TM may improve resilience and advanced handling strategies, further benefiting veterans and active military personnel.