On the Mind with Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Leonardo Lopez, the Vice Chair of Inpatient Services in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, about the critical and often misunderstood syndrome of catatonia. Drawing from the history of this diagnosis, they examine why this life-threatening condition is frequently hidden in plain sight, often missed or mistaken for other conditions. With vivid examples from his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Lopez reframes catatonia as a transdiagnostic 'paralysis of the will.' In clear and accessible terms, he shares how clinicians can identify subtle warning signs like repetitive...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Richard Friedman and Dr. James Kocsis, two senior professors of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, about the growing controversy surrounding SSRIs and related antidepressants. Prompted by recent statements from federal health officials and the ensuing media coverage, they examine claims that these medications are over-prescribed, addictive, linked to youth violence, and ineffective, weighing each against the available evidence. Drawing on decades of clinical and research experience, Drs. Friedman and Kocsis distinguish discontinuation symptoms from addiction, discuss approaches to tapering, and explain how the serotonin hypothesis...

In this special edition of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher is joined by Dr. Johanna Inamagua and Dr. Michelle Zhou, first-year psychiatry residents at Weill Cornell Medicine, for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) episode geared toward medical students applying to psychiatry residency. Together, all three answer med student-submitted questions including how many programs to apply to, how to gauge competitiveness, how to research program culture and fit, what factors carry the most weight in a holistic review, and what makes for a strong personal statement, letter of recommendation, and interview. This episode offers practical, first-hand guidance for...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Frank Yeomans, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of Training at the Personality Disorders Institute, about how to assess personality in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Dr. Yeomans traces the shift from the DSM-5’s traditional categorical model of personality disorders to its dimensional alternative model, which identifies difficulties in one’s sense of self and relationships with others as the core features underlying all personality pathology. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he walks through six key dimensions clinicians can asse...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Frank Yeomans, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of Training at the Personality Disorders Institute, about how to assess personality in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Dr. Yeomans traces the shift from the DSM-5’s traditional categorical model of personality disorders to its dimensional alternative model, which identifies difficulties in one’s sense of self and relationships with others as the core features underlying all personality pathology. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he walks through six key dimensions clinicians can asse...

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...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Alyson Gorun, a reproductive psychiatrist and Acting Director of the Aaron Stern, M.D., Ph.D. Program in Psychodynamic Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, about mental health during the perinatal period. Dr. Gorun discusses the psychiatric conditions most commonly associated with pregnancy and the postpartum months, how pre-existing diagnoses can be destabilized by hormonal and psychosocial changes, and the complex risk-benefit considerations that guide medication decisions. She also addresses the psychological weight of new parenthood, structural disparities in perinatal care, and evidence-based approaches to both...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Jeff Ha, Associate Program Director of Weill Cornell Medicine's Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship Program, about the diagnosis and treatment of delirium. Their discussion covers the diagnostic criteria for delirium, its clinical presentations across the hyperactive, hypoactive, and mixed subtypes, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that produce its characteristic waxing and waning course. Listeners will learn about the significant morbidity and mortality associated with delirium, with particular attention to the underrecognized danger of hypoactive delirium, the often prolonged and incomplete trajectory of recovery, and the demographic and...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Jeff Ha, Associate Program Director of Weill Cornell Medicine's Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship Program, about the diagnosis and treatment of delirium. Their discussion covers the diagnostic criteria for delirium, its clinical presentations across the hyperactive, hypoactive, and mixed subtypes, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that produce its characteristic waxing and waning course. Listeners will learn about the significant morbidity and mortality associated with delirium, with particular attention to the underrecognized danger of hypoactive delirium, the often prolonged and incomplete trajectory of recovery, and the demographic and...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Jonathan Avery, Vice Chair for Addiction Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, about gambling disorder — a condition that is far more prevalent than most people recognize, yet frequently overlooked and misunderstood. Dr. Avery traces the history of gambling disorder as a diagnosis and explains the neurobiology behind why gambling can become addictive, including how it activates the brain’s reward pathways in ways that parallel substance use disorders. Their conversation explores how the explosive growth of online and sports betting has expanded the reach of problematic gamb...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Evelyn Attia, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of the NewYork-Presbyterian Center for Eating Disorders, and Suzanne Straebler, Clinical Director of the Center for Eating Disorders outpatient programs, about the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders.

Drawing on deep clinical and research expertise, they trace the history of eating disorders from ancient accounts of self-starvation to their recognition as distinct psychiatric diagnoses and contemporary cultural impact. Their discussion covers what is known about the prevalence of these conditions and...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Randy Martin about mental healthcare in the workplace. Together, they explore how employee assistance programs (EAPs) have evolved over the past few decades to meet changing demands through innovation. Their discussion covers how EAPs serve two distinct clients (employees and employers) and the ways they help foster psychological safety, improve wellness and navigate inherent conflicts of interest. Dr. Martin also discusses his role leading CopeNYP, the internal EAP at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, which is available to thousands of employees across multiple locations. 

Learn more about Randall Ma...

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Wilfred Farquharson about police involvement during youth mental health crises. Dr. Farquharson describes his research on the factors associated with police bringing children into psychiatry emergency rooms. Their discussion covers the social, psychological, and clinical implications of law enforcement intervention and shares solution-oriented recommendations for helping the families, schools, providers, and children involved in these challenging emergencies. Dr. Farquharson also speaks about his role leading the NewYork-Presbyterian Center for Childhood and Adolescent Behavioral Health, which is meeting the challenge of escalating youth mental health needs...

In this episode, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Nili Solomonov about her innovative psychotherapy research and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in mental healthcare. Dr. Solomonov describes how her lab harnesses the computational power of AI to investigate mechanisms underlying effective psychotherapy. Her findings have led to the creation of an evidence-based treatment modality (called Engage and Connect) initially designed for older adults. Their conversation explores how research can expand access to effective psychological treatments, the ways Engage and Connect has been adapted for diverse patient populations, and the complex landscape of AI in mental health...

In this episode, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Katharine Phillips about two distinct but related diagnoses: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and olfactory reference disorder (ORD), a lesser-known condition characterized by abnormal preoccupation with body odor. Dr. Phillips explains how the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors central to both OCD and ORD can cause profound distress and impairment. She discusses how the two differ in their core features, explains why ORD is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and provides an overview of the effective, evidence-based treatments for both disorders.

In this special episode of On the Mind, the tables are turned as two psychiatry residents, Dr. Phil Martinez and Dr. Jaime Peter, take over the host’s seat to interview Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher, Director of Residency Training in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Together, they dive into the residency application and selection process from start to finish. Their candid conversation offers valuable tips and a rare, inside perspective from a program director—essential listening for any medical student considering psychiatry.

In this episode of On the Mind, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Anne McBride, a senior child and adolescent psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, about the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Drawing on her extensive expertise in psychopharmacology, Dr. McBride walks through the diagnostic process—from behavioral assessments and developmental history to common challenges in distinguishing ADHD from other conditions. They explore evidence-based treatment options, including the nuances of stimulant and non-stimulant medications, as well as behavioral therapy and complementary strategies. This conversation offers a clear, comprehensive overview of ADHD from a clinician wi...

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher speaks with Dr. Diana Diamond about the complex psychology of narcissism. Drawing on her deep expertise in personality disorders, Dr. Diamond explores the continuum from everyday narcissistic traits to pathological narcissism. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on the diagnosis and treatment of narcissistic personality disorder, the impact of narcissistic pathology on attachment and relationships, and whether today’s culture fosters narcissistic tendencies. Tune in for a thought-provoking and timely discussion of a topic that has increasingly captured the public's attention and sparked cultural debate.

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 

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher sits down with Dr. Andrea Temkin-Yu to share essential guidance for parents navigating the adolescent years. Covering several topics from her new book, they explore how to manage screen time, use validation effectively, implement consistent consequences, and help teens weather emotional storms. Tune in for practical, science-backed strategies for supporting your teen’s mental health.

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, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher is joined by Drs. Janna Gordon-Elliott and Virginia Mutch to explore the collaborative care model, which integrates behavioral health into primary care practices and other medical settings. This approach has proven to enhance access to mental health services, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes across diverse populations. Their in-depth conversation delves into the history of collaborative care, its evidence-based benefits, and the challenges associated with its implementation and practice. Listen to learn more about the growing adoption of this model and its promising role in addressing mental health disparities.

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...

In this episode, host Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Susan Evans about the benefits of practicing mindfulness. They explore its history and the science supporting the therapeutic benefits of mindfulness-based practices. Dr. Evans shares how mindfulness can be integrated into psychotherapy, emphasizing its role in enhancing emotional regulation, reducing self-critical judgment, and fostering self-awareness.

Toward the end of the episode, listeners are invited to participate in a brief, guided meditation led by Dr. Evans, providing an opportunity to experience mindfulness in action. Join us for this enlightening discussion that uncovers the profound...

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 episode, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher talks with Dr. Jyoti Pathak about the critical role of mental health services research and the innovative use of technology in this field. Dr. Pathak describes how researchers use machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify and understand the factors contributing to disparities in mental healthcare delivery. He shares compelling examples from his work on postpartum depression and the stigma surrounding addiction, demonstrating how advanced tools uncover complex structural problems within our system. Tune in to learn how harnessing technology can lead to targeted solutions for improving access and equity in mental healthcare.<...

Description: In this episode, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher talks with Dr. Jyoti Pathak about the critical role of mental health services research and the innovative use of technology in this field. Dr. Pathak describes how researchers use machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify and understand the factors contributing to disparities in mental healthcare delivery. He shares compelling examples from his work on postpartum depression and the stigma surrounding addiction, demonstrating how advanced tools uncover complex structural problems within our system. Tune in to learn how harnessing technology can lead to targeted solutions for improving access and equity in mental...

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...

In this episode of On the Mind, our host and Weill Cornell Medicine General Psychiatry Residency Director, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher, meets with two second year residents, Drs. Maya Graves and Nathen Spitz, for an inside look at residency training. They share invaluable insights on the application process, crafting personal statements, and why psychiatry is a rewarding specialty. Hear directly from residents as they discuss the realities of work-life balance during residency, tips for choosing where to apply, and other essential advice for medical students considering a future in psychiatry.

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...

In this episode, we explore a unique model for serving the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. The Weill Cornell Wellness Qlinic is a student-run mental health clinic providing free mental healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community in New York City. It serves as a model for education, affirming mental health care, and outreach to an underserved population. Join Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher as he discusses the Qlinic, its clinical programs and educational initiatives with two of the Wellness Qlinic co-founders Dr. Jessica Spellun and Constance Zhou, and the Qlinic’s Director of Research, Dr. Christopher Ceccolini.

Featured Speakers:

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.

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher explores the complexities of women's mental health during hormonal transitions with Lauren Osborne, M.D. and Alison Hermann, M.D. The conversation focuses on mental health throughout the various stages of life and hormonal changes. Discover the underlying factors influencing women's mental well-being during these transformative stages, alongside ongoing research and emerging training opportunities for clinicians to specialize in women's psychiatry. Gain insights into evidence-based treatments and strategies tailored to support women through these hormonal changes, providing valuable perspectives for practitioners and individuals navigating these transitions.

To further our understanding of youth mental health, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher is joined by Dr. Francis Lee, who describes his groundbreaking research on the neurobiology of adolescent development. They discuss the processes underlying adolescent brain development, exploring why this critical period presents increased risk for anxiety disorders and depression, but also presents unique opportunities for effective treatments. Learn how impactful factors during critical periods of brain development effect resilience and psychological wellbeing, including social media use, early life adversity and more.

To further our understanding of youth mental health, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher is joined by Dr. Francis Lee, who describes his groundbreaking research on the neurobiology of adolescent development. They discuss the processes underlying adolescent brain development, exploring why this critical period presents increased risk for anxiety disorders and depression, but also presents unique opportunities for effective treatments. Learn how impactful factors during critical periods of brain development effect resilience and psychological wellbeing, including social media use, early life adversity and more.

In this episode Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher is joined by Dr. Jonathan Avery to discuss alcohol use disorder and how stigma impacts our response to this condition. Learn how to identify problematic alcohol use in yourself or someone close to you and what to discuss with your doctor when looking for support. We reflect on how alcohol use disorders have no “one size fits all” solution. Effective treatments rely on a variety of methods that can be tailored to suit the individual needs of each patient. 

Jonathan Avery, M.D. is the Vice Chair for Addiction Psychiatry, the Steph...

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher is joined by Dr. Conor Liston to describe recent neuroscientific breakthroughs that are transforming how we diagnose and treat common psychiatric conditions, like depression. Learn how research advances in brain imaging and neuromodulation investigated at Weill Cornell Medicine are leading to novel approaches for providing targeted and effective mental healthcare. 

Conor Liston, M.D, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Liston’s research aims to define mechanisms by which prefrontal cortical brain circuits support learning, memory and motivation, and to unde...

In part two of this two-part discussion on trauma, host, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher, speaks with Dr. Jessica Hartman about treatments that can build resilience after a traumatic event or experience. We explore various options for treatment, including different forms of psychotherapy, medications, and new interventions that are showing significant promise for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Hartman also highlights steps outside of formal treatment that can be taken by individuals or their loved ones who want to help alleviate the effects of trauma.

She also names several online resources for learning more information about...

In part one of this two-part discussion, host, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher, speaks with Dr. Jessica Hartman about trauma. During this first episode, we define trauma, describe the range of long-lasting psychological effects that can emerge after a traumatic event, identify the importance of adverse child experiences, and explore trauma informed care. Our discussion covers the difference between individual trauma, collective trauma, and intergenerational trauma. Dr. Hartman describes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and communities, identifying it as a social justice issue and describing societal changes that could help reduce its prevalence.

Resources on Trauma: The N...

In part one of this two-part discussion, host, Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher, speaks with Dr. Jessica Hartman about trauma. Our discussion begins by defining and identifying trauma and trauma informed care. We discuss individual trauma, collective trauma and historical trauma, discussing how these varied forms of trauma compare to each other.

Resources on Trauma: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network https://www.nctsn.org/; SAMHSA https://www.samhsa.gov/; US Dept of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) https://ptsd.va.gov/

Featured Speaker: Jessica Hartman, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at We...