Published: 2015-09-20

Psychosis and meditation

STANISŁAW RADOŃ
Studia Psychologica: Theoria et praxis
Section: Commentaries
https://doi.org/10.21697/sp.2015.14.2.02

Abstract

The aim of this paper is presentation of the comprehensive literature of the new therapeutic interventions based on mindfulness (Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy MBCT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT and modifications) which appeared promising whilst their implementing among psychotic patients. MBCT and ACT are a contextual forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that attempts to alter one’s relationship to symptoms of psychosis rather than attempting to reduce or control them (traditional approaches to the treatment of psychosis emphasize symptom reduction or elimination). Many clinical and empirical studies (qualitative and quantitative) shows that mindfulness meditation appears to ameliorate psychotic symptoms (improvements in psychotic symptom severity and frequency of hospitalization, general clinical and psychosocial functioning, ability to respond mindfully to distressing thoughts and images). The limits of the researches are discussed, especially in case of meditation-induced psychotic symptoms (low participant number, uncontrolled designs, a history of psychiatric illness of participants, exposition to intensive meditation practise – 18 hours of meditation per day with prolonged periods of fasting and silence). In summary the conceptual clinical applications of the theory are presented: Mindfulness (adaptations of ACT and MBCT) in context of contemporary clinical practice is shown to improve delusion-related regulatory capacity and modify participant’s perception of psychotic experiences (centering in awareness of psychosis; allowing voices, thoughts, and images to come and go without reacting or struggle; and reclaiming power through acceptance of psychosis and the self).

Keywords:

psychosis, schizophrenia, meditation, psychotherapy, mindfulness

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Citation rules

RADOŃ, S. (2015). Psychosis and meditation. Studia Psychologica: Theoria Et Praxis, 15(2), 23–37. https://doi.org/10.21697/sp.2015.14.2.02

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