The Gravity of Weight

Media

Revisiting "00 Trees in Russia"

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on June 13, 2025

Although we desire certainty, we often do not know which facts are accurate.

Although we desire certainty, we often do not know which facts are accurate.

Jealousy

What Envy Is: Admiration in Despair

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on April 23, 2025

We are often embarrassed and ashamed of our feelings of envy toward others, but envy can have both positive and negative effects on us.

We are often embarrassed and ashamed of our feelings of envy toward others, but envy can have both positive and negative effects on us.

Flow

Flow: In a Zone of Total Focus

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on February 18, 2025

Almost any activity has the potential to lead to flow, an almost Zen-like psychological state between boredom and worry.

Almost any activity has the potential to lead to flow, an almost Zen-like psychological state between boredom and worry.

Boredom

Boredom: An Endless Present

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

Are we more prone to the unpleasant feeling of boredom in this age of digital overstimulation?

Are we more prone to the unpleasant feeling of boredom in this age of digital overstimulation?

Cognition

Word Salad Days No More

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on November 4, 2024

The term "word salad" has a long history in the annals of psychiatry. It has been usurped recently by journalists and pundits.

The term "word salad" has a long history in the annals of psychiatry. It has been usurped recently by journalists and pundits.

Awe

Treating the V.I.P. Patient Without Being Starstruck

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on October 6, 2024

The V.I.P., a very important or influential person, can engender feelings of awe in those around him or her. What are some of the issues when treating a V.I.P.?

The V.I.P., a very important or influential person, can engender feelings of awe in those around him or her. What are some of the issues when treating a V.I.P.?

Hypochondria

Hypochondria's High Anxiety

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on June 29, 2024

The word "hypochondria" has become so stigmatized that we now call it "health anxiety." A new book explores its cultural and literary history.

The word "hypochondria" has become so stigmatized that we now call it "health anxiety." A new book explores its cultural and literary history.

Empathy

A Patient's Need for That Empathic Witness

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

Healthcare has become increasingly complex, but anxiety about facing our own mortality remains constant.

Healthcare has become increasingly complex, but anxiety about facing our own mortality remains constant.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

What Is Psychodermatology?

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on March 10, 2024

"Tearing our hair out" is a common enough expression, but some cannot stop pulling their hair or picking at their skin.

"Tearing our hair out" is a common enough expression, but some cannot stop pulling their hair or picking at their skin.

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.

Identity

The Weaponization of Hair

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

As a major part of our identity, hair can be used to oppress, punish, seduce, and rebel.

As a major part of our identity, hair can be used to oppress, punish, seduce, and rebel.

Body Image

The Significance of Hair

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

For centuries, humans have attributed considerable significance to hair.

For centuries, humans have attributed considerable significance to hair.

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

Synesthesia

The Alchemy of Synesthesia

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on July 23, 2023

Seeing letters or hearing music can trigger vivid colors in some people. What is synesthesia?

Seeing letters or hearing music can trigger vivid colors in some people. What is synesthesia?

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?'

Anxiety

The Turmoil of Uncertainty

Sylvia R. Karasu M.D. on March 27, 2023

What is the difference between risk and uncertainty when dealing with medical illness?

What is the difference between risk and uncertainty when dealing with medical illness?

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?