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The Gravity of Weight

The daunting science of weight control.

OCD
Germaphobia: An Infected Mind

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on February 3, 2024

With COVID-19 in mind, let's explore the concept of germaphobia, its historical context, and how it differs from a clinical diagnosis like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

With COVID-19 in mind, let's explore the concept of germaphobia, its historical context, and how it differs from a clinical diagnosis like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Emotions
Disgust: An Emotion Most Vile

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on January 7, 2024

The feeling of disgust can make us sick to our stomach, but it has many ramifications, including a moral component.

The feeling of disgust can make us sick to our stomach, but it has many ramifications, including a moral component.

Body Image
The Power of Dress

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on September 29, 2023

Clothing offers protection, modesty, and adornment, and far from frivolous, it can have enormous psychological impact.

Clothing offers protection, modesty, and adornment, and far from frivolous, it can have enormous psychological impact.

Memory
The Super-Recognizers

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on September 2, 2023

Some people are particularly bad, while a select few are unusually good at recognizing faces, even when they have not seen someone in many years

Some people are particularly bad, while a select few are unusually good at recognizing faces, even when they have not seen someone in many years

Pareidolia
On the Face of It: Pareidolia

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on June 11, 2023

Perceiving faces is so essential to social life that we are primed to see faces even when they are not there. What is pareidolia?

Perceiving faces is so essential to social life that we are primed to see faces even when they are not there. What is pareidolia?

Diet
What Is the Concept of 'Pound-Years'?

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on April 30, 2023

Both the amount of excess fat and its duration, especially from childhood, may be detrimental. What are 'pound-years?'

Both the amount of excess fat and its duration, especially from childhood, may be detrimental. What are 'pound-years?'

Identity
Tattoos: The Skin as Canvas

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on January 26, 2023

Tattooing has been around for thousands of years but has become mainstream recently. Why do people get tattoos, and what are the complications?

Tattooing has been around for thousands of years but has become mainstream recently. Why do people get tattoos, and what are the complications?

Psychiatry
Understanding Hoarders

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on January 2, 2023

Hoarding is now recognized as a psychiatric disorder. What do we know about those who live amidst overwhelming clutter?

Hoarding is now recognized as a psychiatric disorder. What do we know about those who live amidst overwhelming clutter?

Intelligence
Milk by Any Other Name

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on November 1, 2022

Not everyone wants to drink cow's milk, either because of lactose intolerance or allergies, or environmental concerns, but should plant-based beverages be called "milk"?

Not everyone wants to drink cow's milk, either because of lactose intolerance or allergies, or environmental concerns, but should plant-based beverages be called "milk"?

Hormones
Melatonin and Osteoporosis

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on September 24, 2022

Osteoporosis is a potentially debilitating disease that affects millions worldwide. Current treatments leave much to be desired. Could the natural hormone melatonin have any role?

Osteoporosis is a potentially debilitating disease that affects millions worldwide. Current treatments leave much to be desired. Could the natural hormone melatonin have any role?

"Boy in bed afraid of the dark," 1932. American School. Vintage illustration.
Hormones
Melatonin: A Potential Disease-Deferring Hormone

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on August 18, 2022

Melatonin has been called the hormone of darkness. Naturally secreted by the pineal gland, it is also widely available without a prescription in the United States. What do we know?

Melatonin has been called the hormone of darkness. Naturally secreted by the pineal gland, it is also widely available without a prescription in the United States. What do we know?

Sleep
A Writer in Pain

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on July 3, 2022

Pain is often indescribable to those who suffer chronically. Both writers and artists can create illness narratives to communicate their pain.

Pain is often indescribable to those who suffer chronically. Both writers and artists can create illness narratives to communicate their pain.