The study focused on evaluating the side effects of meditation, noting that despite its multiple benefits, it may lead some individuals to experience anxiety attacks or the re-experiencing of traumatic memories. In extreme cases, it could cause feelings of depersonalization or dissociation, according to ‘Science Daily.’ The incidence of these effects varied between studies, from as little as 1% to about a third of practitioners. The results revealed that 60% of participants experienced at least one side effect, while 30% described the effect as difficult or bothersome, and 9% were functionally affected. Van Dam emphasized that the findings do not call for stopping meditation, but he stressed the importance of providing informed consent to practitioners and understanding the potential risks, similar to other medical treatments. He added, “These practices are not for everyone, and failure for some people does not mean they are wrong, but rather that it may simply not be suitable for them.”
