OCD Expert, Professor Vlasios Brakoulias Joins MindSkiller-Backed OCD Program at Uspace

In mental health research and treatment, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) stands out as a formidable challenge.

Characterised by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions), navigating life with OCD becomes a balance between managing compulsive rituals and fulfilling daily responsibilities. With OCD spanning a spectrum of different symptoms and behavioural patterns, handling the disorder presents a unique set of hurdles for individuals and mental health professionals alike.

While there are effective treatments for OCD, it remains under-researched and prone to misdiagnosis. Global studies show that people typically have to wait around seven years before accessing "effective pharmacological interventions." Unfortunately, even when patients receive appropriate treatments, an alarming 60% show limited signs of improvement.

Psychiatrists and researchers are committed to changing this statistic - with the likes of Professor Vlasios Brakoulias at the forefront.

In both academic and clinical arenas, Dr Brakoulias enjoys international acclaim for his research on obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Having been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from The University of Sydney, Dr Brakoulias has spearheaded some of the largest Australian studies examining OCD.

"It spurred me to collaborate with other people internationally," he says of his Australia-based research. "I then asked other people who had large samples that were similar in nature to pool our data together... We wrote some papers that looked at things like the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, comorbid disorders, the age of onset...  That really enhanced our understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder."

With a résumé boasting over 100 scientific papers, professorships at both Western Sydney University and The University of Sydney, as well as holding the role of Editor-in-Chief for the 'Australasian Psychiatry' academic journal, Dr Brakoulias has certainly solidified his position as a pioneering figure in the field.

He also recently joined Uspace - St Vincent's Private Hospital's young adult mental health unit - and is teaming up with Dr Gary Galambos, MindSkiller® founder and Medical Director of the ward. Together with a diverse team of medical professionals, they are developing an inpatient program specifically for young adults grappling with OCD.

"[Uspace] is a wonderful service; it's tailored to young people," Dr Brakoulias goes on to say. "A lot of patients that attend do have OCD as well. So, it is great for me to be able to share my expertise and develop new programs that we hope will revolutionise the care of patients."

With years of experience working with young people, Dr Brakoulias is passionate about early intervention and assisting young adults. Given his commitment to treating patients at an earlier stage in the hope that it may improve outcomes, his expertise aligns perfectly with the Uspace team.

"I just finished this online resource where we worked with school counsellors to pick up OCD early and to ensure that the patients got the help they needed at a younger age," he says of one of his latest ventures.

While Uspace's OCD program is currently in development, it is poised to offer a range of innovative interventions, notably Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Uspace has also started a translational research program to assess whether these treatments can produce better patient outcomes.

Conducting research in a naturalistic setting like Uspace is significant, Dr Brakoulias notes. By setting "objective measures'' and scoring the "severity of the [patient's] symptoms'', researchers can determine how each treatment actually "makes a difference."

"Research has enabled me to evaluate what we're doing," he adds. "But also to always be thinking about how we can improve the treatments, how to ensure that what we're providing is evidence-based and that we are giving the best treatment possible to the individual we have in front of us."

However, as Dr Brakoulias emphasises, assessing the effectiveness of these hospital programs and treatments extends beyond the patient—it is equally significant for families and loved ones. Inpatient programs offer respite for those caring for young adults, while also providing an opportunity to glean insights about OCD from mental health professionals.

"I'm hoping to lead a group where we actually meet with parents because parents are on the other end of the equation," Dr Brakoulias says of his goals for the program. "Being at home and living with the patient in those situations... parents must have a good idea how to manage and how to relate to patients who have OCD, and that can be difficult."

As MindSkiller® becomes an integral part of the OCD program at Uspace, the platform helps patients understand the symptoms and practical coping strategies for their diagnosis, but it can also be shared with their loved ones. With the eLEARNING modules aimed at demystifying the language of mental health, people supporting young adults with OCD can feel confident providing care.

MindSkiller® is also working toward creating tailored VRET online modules— an aspect of the program that Dr Brakoulias is particularly interested in."VR is the most exciting because it gives the opportunity to do the exposure [therapy], which is the hardest bit," he reflects. "We know it's particularly important for most of the patients, but it's really hard to find skilled therapists and tailor the exposure for the specific symptoms of OCD."

Looking ahead, Dr Brakoulias is optimistic about the program making a meaningful impact on the lives of young adults with OCD. It also provides a powerful opportunity to gain insight into how TMS and VR can enhance many patients' quality of life. By combining early intervention with these novel treatment options, there is no denying that he is excited for what is to come.

"Unfortunately, it's very rare for someone to be cured of OCD," Dr Brakoulias finishes. "But the opportunity to provide a new treatment program which may improve the quality of life and suffering for young people with OCD is particularly exciting."