On the Mind with The Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Dhruv Khullar, a hospitalist and Associate Professor of Population Health Policy and Economics at Weill Cornell Medicine and a contributing writer for The New Yorker, about the promise and peril of artificial intelligence in mental health care. Their conversation explores the rapid expansion of AI into clinical documentation, diagnostic reasoning, and patient navigation, as well as the risks of cognitive de-skilling, sycophantic chatbots, and profit-driven apps that cloak commercial motives in the language of clinical care. They also discuss how AI's simulation of empathy and relational interaction is hacking the fundamental human bonds of attachment, trust, and genuine connection that lie at the core of effective psychotherapy and healthy human development. Dr. Khullar shares his thinking on the regulatory frameworks and research infrastructure needed to help ensure these technologies serve patients rather than exploit them.

Dr. Elizabeth Anne Grill discusses the emotional journey that couples can experience during infertility. She offers invaluable insights on coping strategies that foster emotional resilience when feelings of grief, anger, and despair arise. She also delves into actionable advice for friends, family, and partners to provide the empathic support that is crucial during this time.To schedule with Dr. Elizabeth Anne Grill

This episode explores bipolar disorder, a core psychiatric condition affecting millions globally. Join Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher and renowned mood disorders expert Dr. James Kocsis as they delve into the complexities of this condition, discuss its spectrum of symptoms, and share insights on effective management approaches.

In this episode, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher is joined by Dr. Yunyu Xiao to dive deep into the complex factors driving youth suicide. Dr. Xiao shares insights from her groundbreaking research, which highlights how social determinants of health are directly influencing troubling trends in suicide rates among adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through her analysis of large data sets, Dr. Xiao has uncovered distinct patterns of risk, offering a clearer understanding of the disparities fueling the rise in suicidal behaviors. Tune in to learn how her work can inform more effective public policy and guide the development of targeted interventions to help reverse the growing crisis of youth suicide.

In this episode, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher engages in a comprehensive conversation with Dr. Leonardo Lopez about schizophrenia. Together, they explore the historical context of this significant psychiatric disorder, current standards of care, and innovative treatment options on the horizon. Dr. Lopez also discusses the shortcomings of public policy in addressing the needs of those affected by schizophrenia. Listeners will gain valuable insights and a contemporary understanding of this crucial mental health issue that impacts millions worldwide.

In this special election year episode, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher engages with Dr. Richard Friedman to explore the psychological toll of contemporary American politics. They discuss how polarization, uncertainty, and political violence contribute to rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression across different segments of society. Dr. Friedman explains how to differentiate between normal emotional responses to the electoral process and clinically significant mental health issues. He also shares practical tips for managing stress during the election season and offers interpersonal strategies for bridging the political divide. Tune in for a timely conversation that addresses the intersection of mental health and politics.

In this episode, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Katharine Phillips about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Dr. Phillips provides a comprehensive overview of BDD, describing how major distortions in self-perception lead to significant impairment and suffering. She explains why this diagnosis is often missed or misunderstood, explores its wide-ranging impact, and identifies effective, evidence-backed treatments designed to help those struggling with BDD.Katharine Phillips, M.D., is internationally known for her expertise in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and related disorders. For over 30 years, Dr. Phillips has conducted ground-breaking scientific research on BDD and has provided expert evaluation and treatment with medication and therapy for people with these conditions. She is currently Professor of Psychiatry, DeWitt Wallace Senior Scholar, and Residency Research Director for the Department of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and Attending Psychiatrist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

In this episode, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with the Dr. Dennis Popeo, the Director of Neuromodulation at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell Medical Center, about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Dr. Popeo gives an overview of ECT and explains the basic mechanisms that make the treatment so effective. We discuss the history of ECT treatments and how years of research and care have developed this into a safe, life changing treatment for patients with mental illnesses such as treatment resistant depression, schizophrenia, and more.