Meditation's Adverse Effects Study

There’s a study from 1992 that looked at 27 long-term meditators. What they found was that well over half, 62.9%, reported at least one adverse effect. The conclusion said too much daily meditation may precipitate psychiatric illness and impaired reality testing. About a little more than 7% had pretty severe adverse effects.

The fewest individuals that had side effects were the ones that had been practicing the shortest, less than 2 years. The ones that were more prone to adverse effects were the ones that had practiced the longest, on average 8 and a half years. Some of the adverse effects were increased negativity, addiction to meditation, boredom, increased pain, confusion, and disorientation. Interpersonal effects included meditating as an alternative to people, increased discomfort with current friends, feelings of increased alienation from society, and being uncomfortable in the real world.