(2023) Science and education, 4, 63-69. Odessa.

Katharina S. Freytag,
B.A. in Cultural Studies,
Leuphana University of Lüneburg,
84, Wilschenbrucher Weg, Lüneburg, Germany,
Master’s degree in psychology,
Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg,
1, Grabengasse, Heidelberg, Germany,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1982-0628

Mykola Didukh,
Doctor of Psychology,
Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry, Medical and Special Psychology,
South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky,
26, Staroportofrankivska str., Odesa, Ukraine,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0790-0795

VEDIC MEDITATION AS A TREATMENT FOR TRAUMA-RELATED MENTAL DISORDERS

In the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine, as well as countries hosting Ukrainian refugees, are facing an increased demand for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Previous research has shown that a Transcendental Meditation (TM) program is an effective treatment for PTSD. This study examined the effectiveness of a TM program in treating PTSD symptoms and depression in Ukrainian refugees in Germany. Subjects in the meditation group (n = 40) practiced TM for 60 days, while subjects in the control group (n = 40) did not. PTSD symptoms were measured at baseline and 30 and 60 days after the tests using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Revised Impact of Events Scale (IES-R). Depression symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The effect of the TM program on outcome variables was analyzed within and between groups using parametric and nonparametric procedures. After 30 days, the TM group reported significantly fewer PTSD symptoms compared to the baseline test (mean difference PCL-5 Δ = -18.53 [95% CI -25.77 to -11.28], p < . 001, IES-R Δ = -16.12 [95% CI -22.65 to -9.60], p < .001), and the proportion of subjects scoring above the PCL-5 threshold of 31 decreased from 60% to 2.5% (z = -4.80, p < .001). Reported symptoms of depression also decreased significantly (BDI-II Δ = -7.56 [95% CI -12.30 to -2.80], p < .001). These trends continued for 60 days after testing. At 30 and 60 days post-test, the TM group reported significantly fewer PTSD symptoms compared to the control group. Similar results were found for depression symptoms. The findings support the existing evidence that the TM program is a valid and effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder and also indicate that it may also improve depressive disorders.

treatment, PTSD, depression, meditation, transcendental meditation.

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