Scientists have uncovered the hidden side effects of meditation

Currently, meditation is widely promoted as a means to reduce stress, improve productivity, and maintain mental well-being. However, when used in a medical or therapeutic context, important questions arise about how long meditation should be practiced to benefit and what risks or undesirable similar effects are associated with it. This was reported on November 5 by Science Daily magazine.

"Such studies are conducted at the very beginning of the development of any new therapeutic intervention program. And for various complicated reasons, especially in the case of mindfulness—based programs, this simply did not happen," explained Nicholas Van Dam, a psychologist at the University of Melbourne.

Although many people report positive results, many years of research show that meditation can lead to negative consequences for some people. These side effects can include panic attacks, obsessive or painful memories related to past traumas, as seen in post-traumatic stress disorder, and in more extreme cases, feelings of depersonalization or dissociation.

Van Dam noted that estimates of the prevalence of such effects vary greatly in the scientific literature. Some studies claim that only about 1% experience side effects, while others report a figure as high as two thirds. To clarify these discrepancies, the psychologist and his colleagues conducted a study.

The research team recruited almost 900 adults from across the United States. In order for the group to reflect a broader contingent of meditators, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was used to select participants. The researchers also recruited meditators of different training levels, from beginners to experienced, to get an idea of the full sample.

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Van Dam emphasized that the way researchers ask about side effects can greatly influence the results. He explained that many previous studies rely on open—ended questions, a method known as spontaneous communication. In such cases, participants may not perceive their experiences as side effects or hesitate to mention them.

To reduce uncertainty, Van Dam's team has developed a 30-point checklist listing the possible effects of meditation. Participants assessed the intensity of each effect, its positivity or negativity, as well as its impact on daily life. According to the results, almost 60% of meditators reported at least one side effect from the list (for example, feelings of anxiety or split personality). About 30% said they had experienced difficult or disturbing effects, and 9% noted that side effects disrupted their normal functioning.

The study also identified several potential risk factors. People who experienced symptoms of mental illness or psychological stress for 30 days before starting meditation were more likely to report side effects. Those who underwent intensive retreats, often involving long periods of silent meditation, were more likely to experience functional impairments.

Van Dam noted that additional analyses are needed to determine cause-and-effect relationships. According to him, a promising longitudinal study would help clarify how mental health and meditation interact over time.

Despite the results, the psychologist warns against perceiving meditation as a dangerous activity. At the same time, he stressed that informed consent should be better ensured. The specialist compared the situation with other therapeutic methods, when patients are told in advance what they may experience. Such training allows people to weigh the risks and make informed decisions about participation.

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In meditation, such conversations are often not held. Van Dam pointed out the need to find a way to have an appropriate conversation to guide people. He suggested that meditation practitioners and clinical staff explain that sometimes discomfort can be part of the process, and feeling anxious or doubting one's self is not necessarily a sign of harm: it can be part of a deep psychological study. At the same time, discomfort that interferes with daily activities should be taken seriously.

"These practices are not suitable for everyone. If they don't work, it's not necessarily because the person is doing something wrong. Perhaps this is just not an appropriate option," Van Dam concluded.

Earlier, on September 25, BBC Science Daily magazine pointed to the positive effect of using meditation apps. It has been noted that even short-term use can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress levels and improve the symptoms of insomnia.

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