The Psych Matters team: David, Jo-Rose and Nishta, would like to thank you for your support during the year 2024. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the many topics and like to thank College members and others who have generously given their time to develop and present Psych Matters. We’ll be back on the 3rd of January with the next episode of Psych Matters.

In this episode, Prof Vlasios Brakoulias, Dr Gary Galambos and Dr Mikaela Tracy discuss innovative interventions for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in young people as part of the Uspace OCD Program at St Vincent's Private Hospital co-designed by Prof Brakoulias and Dr Galambos. It incorporates multiple next level technologies such as scent-enhanced Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, MRI-guided TMS for OCD, online exposure plans, exposure therapy tools and management plans. The program aims to improve the quality of care for patients by integrating research, cutting-edge treatments and a focus on early intervention.

Prof Vlasios Brakoulias, MBBS Syd, PhD Syd, FRANZCP, is a psychiatrist specialising in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. He is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney and a Conjoint Professor at the School of Medicine and the Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) at Western Sydney University. Professor Brakoulias is also an Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University and the University of Notre Dame. Renowned internationally as an expert in obsessive-compulsive disorders, he has presented at numerous international conferences and is a co-author of over 100 peer-reviewed papers.

Dr Gary Galambos is the Chair of the Binational Section of Private Practice Psychiatry for the RANZCP, Associate Professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame, and Medical Director of the Uspace Young Adult Mental Health Unit at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney. Dr Galambos is an innovator in the design, development and research of 21st century mental health services in the private sector. He has effectively integrated in-person mental health services with digital solutions such as a specialist-grade eLearning and training program, online delivered outcome measures, and AI-guided psychometric tools, utilising a purpose-built digital platform he developed called MindSkiller.

Dr Mikaela Tracy holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Technology Sydney and a PhD from The University of Sydney. Mikaela has a broad range of clinical experience across acute inpatient, outpatient community and university mental healthcare settings supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioural and emotional regulation challenges, relationship issues , trauma, and personality disorders.

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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.

Virtual Reality for Treating OCD

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