Systems
Failing to Support New Mothers: A Tragic Reality
A personal account of postpartum illness highlights the gaps in care for new mothers, from lack of preparation to inadequate support systems.
MedPage Today
Staff reporter at Mind and Margin, covering Mental Health.
Systems
CDC's Zombie Programs Continue to Haunt the Agency
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been left with 'zombie programs' due to the Trump administration's layoffs, which have resulted in a lack of staffing and expertise in key areas. The programs, which were funded by Congress, are still on the books but are not being implemented due to the lack of personnel.
News
US Sees Rise in Nausea Cases Among Frequent Marijuana Users in Hospitals
A recent CDC report highlights a significant increase in hospital visits due to cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, a condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in frequent marijuana users.
Conditions
Increased Risk of Psychiatric Disorders in IBD Patients
A Swedish cohort study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for several psychiatric disorders both before and after diagnosis.
Getting care
Medicaid to Stop Paying for Some Gender-Affirming Care for Youth
The Trump administration has announced that Medicaid will stop paying for gender-affirming surgeries and hormone treatments for transgender minors, effective October 13.
Systems
Federal Policy Complicates Efforts to Combat Opioid Crisis
A new federal policy may hinder organizations' ability to distribute test strips that identify adulterants in street drugs, potentially increasing overdose rates.
Everyday
Estrogen-Only Hormone Therapy Linked to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Older Women
A new retrospective study of more than 21,000 women finds that use of estrogen-only menopausal hormone therapy is associated with reduced Alzheimer’s pathology, lower odds of dementia diagnosis, and fewer memory-related symptoms, though the findings apply mainly to women who have had a hysterectomy and may not generalize to all hormone users.
Systems
Looksmaxxing Apps: A Growing Threat to Adolescent Mental Health
The rise of looksmaxxing apps, which use AI to score facial attractiveness, is raising concerns among mental health professionals. These apps, popular among teenage boys, promote narrow beauty standards and may contribute to body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Experts warn that the lack of age verification and unvalidated scoring methods pose significant risks to vulnerable youth, particularly those from marginalized communities.
News
U.S. Falls Short in Arthritis Pain Management, CDC Study Finds
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the United States is not making progress in managing arthritis pain, with nearly 60% of adults with the condition experiencing moderate to severe joint pain.
Everyday
The First-Night Effect: Why You Struggle to Sleep in a New Place
The first-night effect is a phenomenon where people experience difficulty sleeping in a new environment, often due to evolutionary adaptations that keep the brain vigilant in unfamiliar surroundings. Sleep specialists attribute this effect to the brain's natural response to potential threats, which can be exacerbated by anxiety and other factors.
Getting care
Shift in Perspective on SSRI Use During Pregnancy: Experts Advocate for Individualized Care
Recent research suggests that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy may not pose significant risks when the effects of the medication are separated from the underlying psychiatric conditions. Experts emphasize the importance of structured decision-making and patient education to address concerns about maternal and fetal health.