Meditation offers many benefits, but can it also have negative effects? A new study finds that many meditators experience anxiety, panic, and detachment. Learn about the potential risks of meditation and why a balanced view is important.
Meditation has become very popular recently. It’s often promoted as an easy way to reduce stress, improve focus, and improve mental health. Many schools, workplaces and health programs are now incorporating it into their health activities to support mental health.
But as meditation has become more widespread, especially in medical and therapeutic contexts, researchers have begun to explore it more carefully. They are asking important questions. How much practice does it take before you can make a difference? And perhaps more importantly, there may be side effects associated with meditation.
Dr Nicholas Van Dam, a psychologist at the University of Melbourne, explains that when a new treatment or intervention is developed, scientists usually investigate both the benefits and possible risks from the beginning.
Possible Disadvantages of Meditation
Many people find meditation calming, clear, and relaxing, but others experience the opposite. Some people report panic attacks, vivid flashbacks to past traumatic events, and feelings of detachment, as if they are observing life outside their own body.
Scientific studies over the years have yielded mixed results regarding the frequency of these side effects. Some studies have shown that these experiences may affect about 1% of meditators, while other studies suggest that up to two-thirds of people may have experienced something negative.
Van Dam and his team conducted the primary research. published to clinical psychological science Find out how often these side effects occur and what factors may make them more likely.
Explore meditation experiences nationwide
The research team surveyed nearly 900 adults across the United States, resulting in a diverse group that included people of varying ages, backgrounds, and levels of meditation experience, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners.
Van Dam noted that the way studies ask about side effects can be important. In previous studies, participants were often asked open-ended questions such as “Have you had any problems?” Some people may not be aware of or may be reluctant to share that certain sensations or emotions are connected to meditation.
To collect more reliable data, Van Dam’s team developed a comprehensive 30-item checklist of possible effects. Participants were asked to rate how strong each experience was, whether it was pleasant or unpleasant, and whether it affected their daily lives.
Research Results
About 60% of meditators said they experienced one or more of the effects listed, including anxiety, confusion, and a sense of disconnection from their body. About 30% described the experience as difficult or upsetting, and 9% said the impact was severe enough to interfere with normal functioning.
Individuals who had previously struggled with mental health issues such as anxiety, low mood, or emotional distress in the month before starting meditation were more likely to report negative affect. Similarly, people who participated in intensive meditation retreats where they practiced quietly for many hours each day were more likely to experience significant confusion.
Van Dam emphasized that the findings do not prove that meditation causes these effects. More research is needed to understand how meditation interacts with people’s mental health over time.
Raise awareness, not alarm
Although the results made headlines, Van Dam doesn’t believe meditation is inherently dangerous. He likened this to medical treatments such as surgery or psychotherapy, where patients are informed in advance about risks and benefits. This transparency helps individuals make informed decisions.
a balanced view
While meditation is clearly beneficial to many people, this study reminds us that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Like any other powerful tool for the mind, it can have complex effects. By better understanding this, practitioners, teachers, and scientists can create a safer and more supportive environment for all who explore the path of mindfulness.
