Ep 21 Assoc Prof Antonina Mikocka-Walus on IBD & The Gut-Brain Connection

Talking Gut with Dr Jim Kantidakis

In todays episode I have the wonderful pleasure to talk to Dr Antonina Mikocka-Walus.

Dr Antonina Mikocka-Walus is a registered psychologist and Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at Deakin University in Melbourne. She completed her PhD in Psycho-gastroenterology at the University of Adelaide and has since worked at Monash University, University of South Australia, University of York (UK), and has been at Deakin University since 2016.

Antonina is an active researcher, with over 100 research publications, largely on the brain-gut links, psychotherapy and antidepressant treatment in chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Her research has received funding from such organisations as the Wellcome Trust, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, and Crohn’s & Colitis Australia. Her research has informed the national and international guidelines on treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and has been translated into practice in Australia. Antonina is presently Associate Editor for Journal of Psychosomatic Research.​

We discussed a lot in todays episode. From research into the brain gut connection and IBD, How IBD effects Mental health to how Mental health effects IBD. We also discussed the benefits of antidepressants in IBD, and something some people might not know, Antonina’s own personal journey with IBD. A remarkable story.

I am excited to say we also discussed her recent book titled ‘IBD and the Gut Brain Connection. A patient and carers guide to taming CD and UC’. It’s a great book, and I strongly recommend for anyone who has been diagnosed with IBD, or their carer, and even health professionals working in the field of Gastroenterology.

I am confident you will find my talk with Dr Antonia Mikocka-Walus really valuable, please enjoy.