Conversations: Dr. Jon Constant, Psychiatrist

Introduction:
Jonathan Constant, D.O. is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Division of General Psychiatry. Psychiatry interests: Addiction, Psychosis, Child & Adolescent.

We spoke with Dr. Jon Constant about how our environments and art experiences influence mental and emotional health.

Below is an edited transcript of our conversation. These reflections are offered for educational purposes and do not constitute medical advice or treatment.

HJM: How much do you think our environment actually affects our mental health?

Dr. Constant: Our environment plays a very significant role in both mental and physical health. This can range from stressful early-life environments shaping the way we perceive the world and interact with others, to seasonal and climate impacts on mood patterns. Even subtle, subconscious aspects of our home or work environments can affect our enjoyment, frustration, or anxiety without us being fully aware of them.

A classic example is “white coat syndrome,” where individuals who normally do not have hypertension or abnormal vital signs develop elevated blood pressure during medical appointments. This appears to be triggered by anxiety and a fight-or-flight response provoked by the medical environment — including fluorescent lighting, the color palette of the space, medical instruments, and the anticipation of potentially receiving bad news from a clinician in a white coat.

HJM: What about creating art? Do you think creating art impacts us differently from viewing it?

Dr. Constant: From a psychiatric and psychological perspective, there is clear evidence that creating art through various mediums can be beneficial in treatment strategies and overall quality of life across a range of psychiatric conditions.

One area where this is particularly evident is in patients with thought disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and similar diagnoses. These conditions can be challenging to manage, so having a treatment strategy that is both enjoyable and supported by research is very valuable. Engaging in art can improve symptoms, enhance outcomes, and help build rapport and collaboration with clinicians.

Medication remains the primary management strategy for schizophrenia spectrum symptoms, but when multiple strategies are combined — including creative therapies — it can sometimes reduce overall medication burden and improve overall patient well-being.

Closing Note:
These reflections are intended to explore ideas around art, perception, and mental health. They are shared as educational insights and are not medical advice.

Conversations: Dr. Garima Agrawal, Neurologist

Introduction:
Dr. Garima Agrawal, M.D. is a neurologist who specializes in seizure disorders, currently working in private practice in Phoenix Arizona. I spoke with Dr. Garima Agrawal, about how visual and sensory environments influence our brain function.

HJM: How much do you think our visual or sensory environment affects neurological function?

Dr. Agrawal:
Our visual and sensory environments play a meaningful role in neurological function, particularly in relation to stress and arousal. The brain is constantly processing sensory input, and environments that are overstimulating can increase cognitive and physiological load. In contrast, calmer environments tend to support regulation and reduce unnecessary strain on the nervous system, even if the effects are not always consciously recognized.

HJM: Are there certain patterns, colors, or lighting conditions that you see as calming or triggering for patients with seizure disorders or other neurological conditions?

Dr. Agrawal:
Fluorescent lighting is a common trigger or source of discomfort for many patients, especially those with neurological sensitivity. In contrast, softer lighting and more subtle visual environments are usually better tolerated.

Auditory input also plays a role — gentle or subtle music can be soothing for the brain. That said, these responses are not universal. Individual personality, neurological condition, and prior experiences can significantly influence what a person finds calming or activating.

Another example is we recommend a dark, quiet room for acute migraine as many of these patients have sensitivity to lights and noises.

HJM: How can artists or designers be mindful of neurological responses in their work without overcomplicating it?

Dr. Agrawal:
In clinical settings, particularly for patients with neurodegenerative disorders or in elderly populations, environments that are calming and familiar tend to be more supportive than those that are bright or highly contrasted.

For example, dementia-friendly environments often prioritize reducing sensory overload. This includes softer lighting, familiar music, predictable layouts, and designated quiet spaces. These principles help reduce confusion, agitation, and cognitive fatigue without requiring complex interventions.

HJM: Have you observed situations where sensory experiences, including visual input, significantly impacted patient outcomes?

Dr. Agrawal:
Yes. In seizure care settings, including epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs), sensory input is carefully considered because visual and environmental factors can influence neurological responses. Managing stimulation is an important part of patient care and observation, reinforcing the idea that sensory environments matter in real, measurable ways.

Closing Note:
These reflections are offered for educational purposes and are not intended as medical advice or treatment recommendations.