Dr Leila Masson: What parents must know about PANS/PANDAS

Dr Leila Masson: What parents must know about PANS/PANDAS

Paediatrician Dr Leila Masson joins Penny and Angie to talk about PANS/PANDAS, a medical condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks brain cells and can lead to sudden, severe symptoms of OCD.  Doctors often mistake PANS/PANDAS for other conditions and it can be extremely difficult for parents to get a diagnosis for their kids.  Dr Masson, a medical doctor who also specialises in environmental and nutritional health discusses: - Why kids get PANS/PANDAS - what the signs and symptoms are  - how it is diagnosed  - why it can be so hard to receive a diagnosis  - how it can be treated  - how to look after your kids’ immune systems to try to avoid conditions like PANS/PANDAS    LINKS  Dr Masson’s online parents course for PANS/PANDAS [https://drleilamasson.com/courses/pans-pandas] Children’s Health A to Z [https://drleilamasson.com/book] by Dr Leila Masson PANDAS Network [/] Family media plan [https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx]

Jo Gray: 'Living Proof' that you can get on top of your OCD

A few years ago, Jo’s OCD was so crippling that she needed to be hospitalised and completed two stints at The Melbourne Clinic. OCD had completely taken over her life in every way.  Jo joins Penny and Angie for a beautiful conversation about what she found the most helpful in her recovery and how she ended up turning her pain into a way to help so many others, through her counselling practice called Living Proof Therapy. [https://livingprooftherapy.com/]   The Melbourne Clinic OCD Program  [https://themelbourneclinic.com.au/internal-pages/ocd-anxiety-and-depression]

Tess Murphy: B(F)RB, pulling my hair out

Tess very generously talks to Penny and Angie about: * when her hair pulling symptoms began * her religious upbringing and the intense feelings of shame and perfectionism * the various treatments she’s tried in order to stop pulling out her eyelashes * accepting how life pans out (regardless of the condition) * what she wishes people knew about trich * what she'll do if her kids show signs

Gryff Connah: Taboo OCD and saying the quiet parts out loud

In this episode Penny and Ange are joined by young emerging performer and theatre-maker, Gryff Connah. He talks to them about how intrusive thoughts and compulsions have woven their way throughout his life and how his dad helped him to identify what was really going on. Together they discuss: * the early signs of OCD as a young kid * the obsessive thoughts intensifying during lockdown when Gryff was a teenager * the validation and relief that came with a diagnosis * some of the more taboo themes of OCD that are so common but rarely talked about * the play ‘Flicker’ that Gryff is involved with producing for the Melbourne fringe festival, which delves into the complex themes of OCD

Group Chat: Parenting with OCD

Do you find it tough to parent whilst drowning in OCD overwhelm? Well, Penny and Ange do, so they sat down for a candid chat about it.  They talk about their own experiences as parents to young kids and read out anonymous comments that listeners sent in describing what parts they find the toughest. They also talk about some of the silver linings and include some practical tips for parents who might be struggling with their mental health.    Shownotes:  This Way Up: https://thiswayup.org.au/ [https://thiswayup.org.au/] The Brain Forest https://www.dymocks.com.au/the-brain-forest-by-sandhya-menon-and-kushla-ross-9780646856094 [https://www.dymocks.com.au/the-brain-forest-by-sandhya-menon-and-kushla-ross-9780646856094]