MedPage Today

Staff reporter at Mind and Margin, covering Mental Health.

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.

MedPage Today17 August 2026

Treatment

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.

MedPage Today17 August 2026

Getting care

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.

MedPage Today16 August 2026

Conditions

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.

MedPage Today16 August 2026