Lost in Thought: the Psychological Risks of Meditation

Abstract

Despite growing popular interest in mindfulness and meditation, a number of clinicians and researchers have begun to warn about the potentially harmful effects of meditation. Meditation is widely considered to promote mental and physical well-being, but some research suggests that meditation may trigger psychological distress, particularly in vulnerable individuals or during intensive meditation retreats. In particular, this article investigates the case of a young woman who experienced an acute psychotic break following a ten-day meditation retreat. The article argues that meditation practices should be approached with caution, and meditation instructors should be trained to identify and manage potential risks. – AI-generated abstract