title: Effects of transcendental meditation in veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom with posttraumatic stress disorder: a pilot study.
abstract: We conducted an uncontrolled pilot study to determine whether transcendental meditation (TM) might be helpful in treating veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Five veterans were trained in the technique and followed for 12 weeks. All subjects improved on the primary outcome measure, the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (mean change score, 31.4; p = 0.02; df = 4). Significant improvements were also observed for 3 secondary outcome measures: Clinician's Global Inventory-Severity (mean change score, 1.60; p < 0.04; df = 4), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (mean change score, -13.00; p < 0.01; df = 4), and the PTSD Checklist-Military Version (mean change score, 24.00; p < 0.02; df = 4). TM may have helped to alleviate symptoms of PTSD and improve quality of life in this small group of veterans. Larger, placebo-controlled studies should be undertaken to further determine the efficacy of TM in this population.
authors.affiliation: Capital Clinical Research Associates, 5515 Security Lane, Suite 525, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
authors.forename: Joshua Z
authors.initials: JZ
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
authors.forename: Sarina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grosswald
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*