“Bouffée Délirante” Induced by Meditation

Abstract

Introduction

Meditation is frequently applied in Western as well as non-Western countries for different purposes; we know little about adverse events. The symptomatology of a meditation-related psychosis appears to show similarities with that we call “bouffée delirante”.

Methods

A female patient is described who developed an acute and transient psychosis with polymorphic symptomatology after meditating (Bikram-yoga). We made a literature search for psychotic states related to meditation.

Results

There are some case reports of psychosis disorder induced by meditation. Some cultural syndromes like Qi-gong appear on DSM-IV as psychotic reaction. In this case, the syndrome is not culture bound.

Conclusions

Meditation can act as a stressor in vulnerable patients who may develop a transient psychosis with polymorphic symptomatology (confusion, pananxiety, mood swings and mood dystonic psychotic symptoms) with a short duration.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.