Meditation, thoughts on relationship with parents, the Nemeroff probe and more info on SSRI antidepressants: Wednesday news and blogs

This Is Your Brain On Meditation: Mingyur Rinpoche Describes The Science Of Happiness — More on neuroplasticity — The gamma activity, increased by meditation, remained high even after meditation had ceased. The studies indicated that meditation was an example of neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to change). Simply put, the laboratory concluded that meditation physically alters the brain. “Thirteen years ago they said it was impossible to change the brain after a certain point.” Rinpoche said. “Now, they realize that the brain continues to develop your whole life. From a meditation point of view, of course, this has always been true.”

So your parents are crazy — ShambalaSunSpace — Acknowledging that your parents are normal people — just like the jerks you work with or your own bossy spouse — and that they too are on a path of growth, can ease your mind a bit.

And The Status Of The Nemeroff Probe Is… — Pharmalot — The outcome is unclear, of course, but the interest taken by the HHS OIG underscores the issue raised by Grassley, which is whether universities are fulfilling their requirements to adequately monitor disclosures in an effort to maintain scientific integrity and objectivity. Meanwhile, for those who wish to keep track, the Nemeroff affair is prompting the National Institutes of Health to review rules that allow a transgressor to apply for new grants from a different institution.

Lives destroyed by happy pills: As our use of antidepressants DOUBLES in a decade, experts say thousands are being given dangerous drugs they don’t need | Mail Online — Clare’s story is extreme, but it is far from unique. Increasing numbers of Britons are taking antidepressant drugs, with prescriptions doubling over the past ten years, according to a report this month. In 2000, there were 20 million prescriptions – this rose to 39 million last year. While this rise is partly being blamed on the recession, experts are concerned that misdiagnosis is a major factor. “Misdiagnosis” can come at a high cost. See here for more information about how the use of antidepressants can fuel more illness.