Research on TM and PTSD

More than 1500 veterans and active duty personnel with PTSD and TBI have learned the Transcendental Meditation® (TM) technique. Research studies, involving more than 300 veterans and active service personnel, have shown positive results from TM® practice. These findings are corroborated by the extensive body of research on TM over the last 45 years showing its effectiveness at reducing stress and stress-related conditions. There is also a large body of testimonials supporting the effectiveness of TM for reducing PTSD symptoms.

Please see “TM and PTSD White Paper” or “White Paper Summary” for review of all research.

Percentages with Clinically Meaningful Improvement

in PTSD

This DoD-funded randomized trial of 203 veterans with PTSD is the first to directly compare TM to Prolonged Exposure Therapy, considered the gold-standard therapy for treating PTSD, and a Health Education control. This chart shows the percentage of veterans in each group who achieved clinically meaningful improvement in PTSD, which is defined as a reduction of 10 points or more on the Clinically Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS).  More >

Reduced Symptoms of PTSD in War Veterans

Through Transcendental Meditation

The research on TM shows that TM has a strong effect on reducing PTSD symptoms. These effect sizes are similar to or greater than effects produced by standard frontline therapies currently used to treat PTSD, which range from .78-1.10 (JAMA. 2015;314(5):489-500).  More >

Decreased PTSD Symptoms

in Congolese War Refugees

Decreased PTSD Symptoms in Congolese War Refugees
In this randomized study, 90% of Congolese war refugees with PTS symptoms improved below the “non-symptomatic” level in 30 days and remained non-symptomatic over a period of four months. Controls showed no improvement in PTSD symptoms in the same period. More >

 

Rapid Reduction in PTSD Symptoms

in Congolese War Refugees

Rapid Reduction in PTSD Symptoms in Congolese War Refugees
This second study on Congolese war refugees introduced TM to the control group from the first study. In the first 10 days, there was a sharp drop in PTSD symptoms. Within 30 days, the group average dropped toward the non-symptomatic level. More >

Reduction of Stress-Related Conditions

in Vietnam Veterans: TM vs. Psychotherapy

Reduction of PTSD Co-Morbid Conditions in Vietnam Veterans: TM vs. Psychotherapy
Because TM works by reducing stress, it simultaneously reduces stress-related conditions. More >

 

Reduction in Psychotropic Drug Medication in Veterans

Reduction in Psychotropic Drug Medication in Veterans Treated for TBI after One Month of TM Practice
The stress reduction and physiological healing produced by TM lead to reduced use of psychotropic medication. This research was performed in the TBI Clinic at Fort Gordon, Georgia. More >