Meditation's Shadow: New Study Reveals Widespread Adverse Effects

While widely lauded for its mental health benefits, **meditation** may harbor a darker side, according to new research published in **Clinical Psychological Science**. A nationwide study involving nearly 900 U.S. adults, led by psychologist **Nicholas Van Dam** of the University of Melbourne, found that a striking **60% of meditators** reported at least one side effect. These adverse experiences ranged from anxiety and intrusive memories to depersonalization and dissociation, with **30% describing them as challenging or distressing** and **9% experiencing functional impairment**.

• Nearly 60% of U.S. meditators report experiencing at least one side effect.
• Challenging or distressing effects impact 30% of meditators, with 9% experiencing functional impairment.
• Individuals with recent mental health issues and those in intensive retreats are at higher risk.
• The study highlights methodological challenges in assessing meditation's adverse effects.
• More research is needed to understand the causal relationship between meditation and negative outcomes.

The study by Van Dam and colleagues provides robust data on the prevalence and nature of meditation-related side effects, utilizing a **30-item checklist** to overcome limitations of spontaneous reporting. It confirms that adverse experiences are not isolated incidents, with **nearly 60% of U.S. meditators** reporting at least one. Key findings indicate that individuals with recent psychological distress and those attending **intensive residential retreats** are more susceptible to challenging effects, though further longitudinal research is needed to establish causality.

This research, while highlighting potential downsides, is a crucial step toward **safer and more effective meditation practices**. By identifying risk factors like prior mental health symptoms and intensive retreats, practitioners and therapists can implement **better screening and support mechanisms**. This allows for a more **nuanced understanding of meditation**, enabling individuals to engage with the practice more mindfully and with appropriate guidance, ultimately enhancing its therapeutic potential for the majority.

The widespread reporting of adverse effects, including **panic attacks, trauma recall, and dissociation**, suggests that meditation, particularly in therapeutic contexts, may be **overly promoted without adequate risk assessment**. The high percentage of individuals experiencing challenging or functionally impairing effects (**30% and 9% respectively**) raises serious questions about the safety of current widespread recommendations. This research underscores a critical gap in understanding the potential harms, which could be exacerbated by the lack of standardized training and oversight for meditation instructors.

Originally reported by ScienceDaily