The theoretical and empirical basis for meditation as an intervention for PTSD.
In spite of the existence of good empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), consumers and providers continue to ask for more options for managing this common and often chronic condition. Meditation-based approaches are being widely implemented, but there is minimal research rigorously assessing their effectiveness. This article reviews meditation as an intervention for PTSD, considering three major types of meditative practices: mindfulness, mantra, and compassion meditation. The mechanisms by which these approaches may effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and improve quality of life are presented. Empirical evidence of the efficacy of meditation for PTSD is very limited but holds some promise. Additional evaluation of meditation-based treatment appears to be warranted.
VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA 92093, USA. ajlang@ucsd.edu
Ariel J
AJ
Lang
Jennifer L
JL
Strauss
Jessica
J
Bomyea
Jill E
JE
Bormann
Steven D
SD
Hickman
Raquel C
RC
Good
Michael
M
Essex
D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*