Benefits of Meditation Practices in Alleviating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms for Individuals Already in Therapy
Jeanette G Mann, Lindsay Gietzen
Pacific Journal of Health December 8, 2024 DOI: 10.56031/2576-215x.1087 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | Adult patients with persistent PTSD symptoms at a Federally Qualified Health Center |
| Intervention | meditation practice |
| Duration | Eight-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Key findings | Adding an eight-week meditation practice to standard therapy enhanced emotional regulation and reduced anxiety in three patients with persistent PTSD. |
Abstract
Abstract This study examines the impact of adding and incorporating a meditation practice into a treatment plan for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for three adult patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The cases involved included patients with persistent PTSD symptoms who had experienced limited improvement with standard therapies. Data from Electronic Health Records and clinician notes showed that adding an eight-week meditation practice enhanced emotional regulation and reduced anxiety. In all three cases, the meditation practice increased the benefits of the traditional therapy. This helped the patients have greater control over their PTSD symptoms and improve their quality of life. These case studies align with the existing research supporting meditation’s benefits and value in regulating stress and heightened states of emotions. This evidence suggests that incorporating a meditation practice into standard therapy practices for PTSD treatments can create a well-rounded holistic approach. While mediation should not completely replace standard therapy practices, incorporating what is already being done provides a promising way to enhance treatment outcomes, helping the patient manage their PTSD symptoms more effectively and improving their overall quality of life and well-being.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on PTSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combining Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD with 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): A Case Example. One couple with PTSD and a severe trauma history, participating in a pilot trial... | 2019 | Case study | n = 2 |
| Effects of intranasal (S)-ketamine on Veterans with co-morbid treatment-resistant depression and PTSD: A retrospective case series Veterans with co-morbid depression and PTSD | 2022 | Retrospective case series | n = 35 |
| Repeated oral esketamine in patients with treatment resistant depression and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder Patients with treatment-resistant depression and comorbid PTSD | 2023 | Case series | n = 5 |
| Treatment of nightmares in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder A client with chronic, severe posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | 2010 | Case study | n = 1 |
| 5-MeO-DMT for post-traumatic stress disorder: a real-world longitudinal case study 23-year-old female with chronic refractory PTSD | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- Direct and indirect effects of mindfulness, PTSD, and depression on self-stigma of mental illness in OEF/OIF veterans. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy December 5, 2019
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Therapeutic Role of Meditation Interventions. Advances in experimental medicine and biology 2019
- Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: a review of the treatment literature and neurobiological evidence. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience October 2, 2017