J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.
2024 Oct;30(3):103-105. 10.22802/jksbtp.2024.30.3.103.
Meditation-Induced Psychosis: Recurrent Case Reports in the Same Patient
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Psychiatry, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
- KMID: 2563229
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.22802/jksbtp.2024.30.3.103
Abstract
- Meditation has been practiced across various cultures for religious, self-cultivation, and mental health purposes and has recently been integrated into psychiatric care. While meditation has demonstrated efficacy in managing insomnia, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, its potential adverse effects are often overlooked. Among these, meditation-induced psychosis is particularly concerning due to the severe subjective distress and functional impairment it causes. This case report presents a rare instance of repeated meditation-induced psychosis in a single patient. The patient, a 52-year-old woman, experienced psychotic episodes twice, each following intense meditation under significant stress, with an interval of over 1 year between the recurrences. Her symptoms included delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, and inappropriate behavior, leading to hospitalization. Treatment with paliperidone successfully alleviated her symptoms on both occasions. This case highlights the dual nature of meditation as both a therapeutic tool and a potential risk factor in stressful situations or in individuals with a history of psychosis. The lack of specific guidelines on the contraindications of meditation in clinical settings emphasizes the need for cautious application, especially in vulnerable populations. Further research is essential to establish evidence-based guidelines that consider both the benefits and risks of meditation therapy, ensuring its safe and effective use in psychiatric practice.
