Reduction of PTSD in South African University Students Using Transcendental Meditation Practice

Abstract

A study was conducted on South African college students using the Transcendental Meditation technique to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder. Students meeting the criteria for possible posttraumatic stress disorder were included. Thirty-four students at the experimental university in South Africa clinically diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder were instructed in and practiced the Transcendental Meditation technique twice daily compared to 34 diagnosed posttraumatic stress disorder comparison students at the comparison university. The multivariate effect was significant for both the posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology and depression. Results were significantly associated with regularity of practice. The study replicates recent findings and offers an alternative educational treatment for higher education.

Transcriptomics of Long-Term Meditation Practice: Evidence for Prevention or Reversal of Stress Effects Harmful to Health

“…Many transcriptomic effects of chronic or extreme stress are known [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 45 ], and prior evidence exists for at least partial reversal of some of these effects by mind–body interventions [ 36 ], including by other techniques of meditation [ 32 , 33 ]. Furthermore, independent evidence exists showing that the TM program can reverse long-lasting effects of stress such as symptoms of PTSD [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], risk factors for CVD [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], chronically high levels of stress-related hormones [ 17 , 46 , 47 ], and low efficiency of energy metabolism [ 48 ]. Taken together, these prior studies predict that transcriptomic patterns associated with stress, such as the CTRA and low energy efficiency (see Introduction), should be prevented or reversed after long-term practice of this program.…”

“…The first research on physiological effects appeared in 1970 [ 10 ]. As reported and reviewed by others, investigations of the TM program as a therapeutic intervention have reported benefits for PTSD [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], anxiety disorders [ 14 ], and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Moreover, studies on healthcare utilization suggest reductions in a wide spectrum of diseases [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Think again: Adaptive repetitive thought as a transdiagnostic treatment for individuals predisposed to repetitive thinking styles.

“…TM resulted in improved depression symptoms and functional capacity compared with an active control condition for individuals with heart failure (Jayadevappa et al, 2007). TM also resulted in reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and improvements in quality of life for veterans (Kang et al, 2018) and college students (Bandy et al, 2019).…”

Biological mechanism study of meditation and its application in mental disorders

“…57 Other studies showed that TM also ameliorates the symptoms of PTSD and improves depressive emotions for college students in South Africa. 58 Subsequently, it can be seen that meditation technology can help more patients with PTSD to get rid of pain and return to a normal life.…”