Brita List - Clinical Psychologist

Home
Australia
Sydney, NSW
Brita List - Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologist. PhD Candidate. Niche: PANS/PANDAS. Sydney Australia I am located in Sydney, Australia.

I'm a Clinical Psychologist and board-approved supervisor with a focus on treating anxiety and mood disorders alongside acute and chronic health conditions. Specifically, I have interest and experience in PANS/PANDAS, consistently managing multiple PANS clients (see my treatment approach on my website). I've also completed the Gut Smart course for Psychological Health in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). I offer appointments on Wednesdays in the treating rooms of Mind & Presence, Pymble, NSW. I have extensive experience working with children, youth and adults with anxiety and mood disorders at the Emotional Health Clinic, Macquarie University (ongoing). I supervise Master of Clinical Psychology students on placement, flexibly delivering the ‘Cool Kids Program’ for anxiety in school-aged children and youth. I have also served as a treating clinician on various research trials, providing assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, parents, and older adults experiencing mood disorders and somatic symptoms, emotion regulation issues, and seeking a more fulfilling life. In addition to working with anxiety, mood and emotion dysregulation concerns, I also provide interventions for when mental health is impacted by acute and chronic health conditions. My approach involves utilising Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) and other evidence-based modalities. I prioritises being neurodiverse-affirming and LGBTQIAP+🏳️‍🌈 affirming; valuing and celebrating diversity while focusing on client-centred, functional goals. I work with and differentiates between challenges best addressed through CBT and those requiring accommodations to facilitate meaningful engagement in life. I am interested in empowering people of all ages with:
* Anxiety e.g,. social, separation, general, specific phobias, selective mutism, panic… including but not limited to: Accredited Program Provider for the Cool Kids program
* Chronic or acute low mood
* Neurodiversity e.g., Autistic, ADHD, OCD, Tourette Syndrome, twice exceptional, learning differences, sensory overwhelm, ARFID, rages…
* Complex health issues e.g., PANS/PANDAS, IBS, IBD, POTS, EDS, ME/CFS, FND, long covid, autoimmune, hormonal, chronic pain…
* Navigating identity, life stages and times of transition e.g., q***r/ LQBTQI+, interpersonal relationships and building confidence, HSC, tertiary education, relationships, career, parenthood, burnout, retirement, impact of health…
* Other concerns like emotion dysregulation/outbursts, bullying, peer relationships, assertive communication skills and “school can’t” / difficulties attending school. Please note: for children approximately 6 and younger, they are not developmentally ready to engage in strategies within my skillset (CBT). Sessions will predominately be working with parents to identify parent-guided opportunities for change. Professional Memberships:
Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA)
The Australian Association for Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (AACBT)

10/10/2025

Big Congratulations to Michelle!
Samantha Cuming and I are following in her footsteps, with our PANS PhD research in Australia - grateful for her guidance!
--
"While my PhD journey has officially ended, my PANS (and neurodiversity) research journey is only just beginning."..
"Across the papers we reviewed, PANS was found to significantly disrupt engagement in all core activities of childhood - communication, nutrition management, education, sleep, social participation, toileting, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, play, and leisure.
Given this far-reaching impact, we propose that occupational performance be recognised as the “fourth pillar” of PANS intervention - alongside managing neuroinflammation, treating infection, and addressing psychiatric symptoms."

britapsych.com

🌍 Yesterday was PANS Awareness Day! 💙

And in a happy coincidence, the final paper from my PhD was published in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

This fourth and final study is a scoping review exploring occupational performance in children with Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).

While research into the medical and psychiatric aspects of PANS has grown (and is much needed!), what’s been missing is a synthesis of how PANS impacts children’s day-to-day functioning. Our goal was to map what’s currently known about how this condition affects children’s participation in everyday activities - and to shine a light on how occupational therapy can support children and families in addressing these challenges.

Across the papers we reviewed, PANS was found to significantly disrupt engagement in all core activities of childhood - communication, nutrition management, education, sleep, social participation, toileting, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, play, and leisure.

Given this far-reaching impact, we propose that occupational performance be recognised as the “fourth pillar” of PANS intervention - alongside managing neuroinflammation, treating infection, and addressing psychiatric symptoms.

To top it off, just before hearing about this publication, I received the wonderful news that my PhD thesis was examined and approved - hoorah! 🎉

While my PhD journey has officially ended, my PANS (and neurodiversity) research journey is only just beginning. Children with PANS deserve to live full, meaningful lives where they can reach their potential - and I hope my ongoing research continues to play a small part in making that possible. 💙

📖 Read the paper here: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.051238

09/10/2025

Yesterday was PANS Awareness Day, and today I'm speaking with Keonie from ReMed, and PANS parents!
britapsych.com

Parenting a child with PANS can feel like navigating shifting ground, especially when obsessive-compulsive symptoms take hold.

OCD behaviours can be intense, confusing, and draining for the whole family, leaving parents unsure how best to respond.

On October 10, Brita List will join the PANS Parent Collective series to share:
“Parenting Strategies Around the OCD Associated with PANS.”

This session will explore practical, compassionate ways parents can support their child, reduce family stress, and feel more equipped to handle the challenges that OCD brings.

And the support doesn’t stop there. Over the coming months, you’ll also hear from Dr. Leila Masson and Professor Russell Dale, offering tools, diagnostic guidance, and the latest research to give families clarity and connection.

✨ Join us to learn, connect, and feel supported.
💬 Message us or register here: https://www.pansparentcollective.com/membership

09/10/2025

💙 October 9: PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day

Today, we stand with the families, children, and clinicians navigating the complexities of PANS and PANDAS every day.

Behind every diagnosis is a story of resilience, advocacy, and a search for understanding that often takes years.

Raising awareness isn’t just about recognition. It’s about bringing compassion into conversations, improving early detection, and helping families feel seen and supported instead of alone or misunderstood.
Every conversation helps move things forward, toward clearer answers, better care, and hope for the future.

💙 Together, we can make a difference.

09/10/2025

Today, October 9, is PANS Awareness Day. My website has a lot of links to resources, including the ASPIRE website, with some many free resources. https://www.britapsych.com/panspandas

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS): first described in 2012

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS): a subtype of PANS, and first described in 1998

Research suggests children with genetic vulnerabilities experience infections or stress that trigger epigenetic changes, disrupting immune function and protein production. Rather than classic autoimmune disease, this creates immune dysregulation - both reduced responses to pathogens and inflammatory dysfunction - affecting brain development and basal ganglia functioning. PANS represents a distinct condition within the neurodevelopmental spectrum, with all infection/stress triggers increasing inflammation and causing acute psychiatric symptoms within hours to days. Medical treatment targeting immune modulation is essential.
britapsych.com

💻 Access Free On-Demand Webinars on PANS/PANDAS

ASPIRE’s webinars are free to watch anytime and cover a wide range of topics — from treatment and scientific updates to behavioral health, integrative medicine, school support, and family resilience.

Hear directly from leading clinicians and experts, including:

Dr. Susan Swedo: Recognition, Diagnosis & Treatment
Dr. Nancy O’Hara: Functional Medicine Approach
Sheilah Gauch, LICSW, M.Ed: Managing Caregiver Trauma
Dr. Daniel Kinderlehrer: Microbes and Mental Illness
Dr. Darin Ingels: Low Dose Immunotherapy
…and many more.

Even if recorded years ago, the insights remain as relevant as ever.
🔗 Watch anytime: https://aspire.care/webinars

03/10/2025

As one of the founding members of MIND Global Council, I'm excited to share my amazing USA peers' opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary mental healthcare providers and deliver neuroimmune-informed considerations for assessment and management.

britapsych.com

The MIND Global Council, with Tang MD from Stanford University, Cat Doherty of the National PANDAS/PANS Youth Alliance, Angela Henry LCSW, & Joelle Kekhoua MA LPC, had the pleasure of presenting a training today to CharlieHealth and reaching over 1,000 therapists nationwide - educating them....

25/09/2025

"Misdiagnosed for a decade".

PANS is NOT exactly the same as autoimmune encephalitis (see Han et al., 2025). I'm sharing to highlight that PANS is not an isolated phenomenon, and there are heterogeneous biological mechanisms behind regressive autism presentations. With thorough investigation into regression to reduce misdiagnosis, there is hope for reducing distress, increasing capacity, and facilitating a person to live their best authentic life.

britapsych.com

NEW - CASE REPORT published in BMJ Case Reports highlights the substantial clinical overlap between and paediatric encephalitis. The paper describes a girl misdiagnosed for a decade with autism spectrum disorder and following an episode of illness in early childhood, who was 10 years later found to have anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) autoimmune encephalitis.

The girl’s developmental milestones were appropriate until the age of 2, when an episode of acute febrile illness led to developmental and intellectual regression and onset of seizures and movement disorder. Shortly after the illness she began exhibiting symptoms of autism as well as stereotypic hand- wringing movements and emotional dysregulation that included aggression, emotional lability, reduced social inhibition, hyperactivity and inappropriate speech.

The correct diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis was established only in her adolescence, after the detection of intrathecal NMDAR antibodies and type 2 oligoclonal bands. Immunotherapy was initiated including pulse doses of methylprednisolone, four doses of rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin.

Immunotherapy led to gradual clinical improvement, with a reduction of involuntary movements and a 50% decrease in seizure frequency. A slight improvement in behavioral issues was also noted.

This report demonstrates the diagnostic complexity of paediatric autoimmune encephalitis, which can mimic neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD, leading to delays in appropriate treatment. It also highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for autoimmune encephalitis and for reconsidering the diagnosis of autism in children presenting with unexplained neurodevelopmental regression, especially when the regression is accompanied by seizures and/or movement disorders, irrespective of their age.

REFERENCE
Dr Vykunta Raju K N Gowda, Varghese A, Varghese MP, Dr Viveka Santhosh Reddy C. A decade of diagnostic uncertainty: from neurodevelopmental disorders to the discovery of autoimmune encephalitis. BMJ Case Rep. 2025 Sep https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40953852/

FURTHER READING:
Autoimmune Encephalitis – A Treatable Form Of ‘Autism’ https://www.thinkingautism.org.uk/autoimmune-encephalitis-treatable-form-of-autism/

Whiteley P, et al. Autoimmune Encephalitis and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2021 https://www.synapsecentre.co.uk/autoimmune-encephalitis-and-autism-spectrum-disorder/

19/09/2025

For Parents! While I have imposter syndrome from being listed next to *doctors* leading this field, I still want to promote access to support and information for this complex and overwhelming condition! I'm doing a Q&A on managing OCD symptoms in PANS 10th October (we know its *much more* than OCD).

-- quotes below --

Most parents feel lost trying to navigate PANS and PANDAS without the right support.

ReMed's new PANS Parent Collective brings leading practitioners and global thought-leaders directly to you — with ongoing guidance, education, and real-time support for you and your child.

Founding members $199/month
Later subscribers $247/month

britapsych.com

Parenting a child with PANS can feel like navigating in the dark. Symptoms change, challenges build, and answers often seem just out of reach.

That’s why we’re launching the PANS Parent Collective, an online series running from September to bring families clarity, practical tools, and real support.

The series commence on September 26 with Keonie Moore, who will share “It’s Not the Infection’s Fault: Why Chasing Triggers Won’t Resolve PANS.” This session will help families step back, see the bigger picture, and find a clearer path forward when everything feels overwhelming.

Upcoming guest speakers for 2025 include:
🌿 Brita List, Clinical Psychologist
🌿 Dr. Leila Masson, Integrative Paediatrician
🌿 Professor Russell Dale, Neurologist & PANS Researcher
🌿 Dr. Kiki Chang, Leading Psychiatrist and Co-Founder of the Stanford PANS Clinic and Research Program

Together, these sessions will give parents knowledge, confidence, and the reassurance that they are not alone in this journey.

✨ Join us, learn from experts, and feel supported every step of the way.
💬 Message us to register and be part of this series starting September 26. Register here: https://www.keoniemoore.com/pans-parent-collective

18/09/2025

A breakdown of one of the recent PANS research articles! IVIg reverses epigenetic disruption to immune responses, temporarily, and its not enough. Prof Dale at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, plans to investigate more efficient and accessible ways to flip this switch in future research. Some quotes of this great translation of the article from Brainstorm Health, below.
--
"After IVIG, many of these patterns flipped. Immune pathways that were low became more active. The protein-building systems moved back toward balance. Even the epigenetic regulators – the switches that control which genes turn on and off – shifted direction. Those changes matter because they help reset how immune cells behave, not just in the moment but for days or weeks afterwards."

"What This Does Not Show
– It does not prove IVIG works long term.
– It does not prove which symptoms improve.
– It does not separate autism from PANS in terms of response.
– It does not tell parents if their child is likely to benefit.

What It Does Show
– Children with PANS carry measurable immune disruption in their blood.
– IVIG alters that disruption quickly.
– Autistic children in this study showed the same immune shifts as non-autistic children."

"For families, the key message is clear: immune involvement is not speculation. It is measurable, reproducible, and part of the picture in both PANS and some forms of autism."

britapsych.com

5 children with PANS.
3 also had autism.
1 infusion of IVIG.

Immune cells shifted within a day.
Clinicians judged 4 of 5 children to improve.
Headache was the only side effect noted.

But what exactly changed?
And how strong is the evidence?
That’s where it gets complicated.

I’ve written a new blog breaking down this study - what it really shows, what it doesn’t, and why it matters for families.

Read the full critical analysis here.

Link in comments below 👇

14/09/2025

Here it is, again! Progress...
britapsych.com

🌟 Incredible News for the PANS, Autism and Neurodevelopmental Community 🌟

Hot on the heels of their recent PANS biomarker discovery (see our earlier post), Professor Russell Dale and Dr. Shrujna Patel have just been awarded a $1 million Avant Foundation grant to explore new treatments for PANS and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

✨ Why this matters:
This research is not just about managing symptoms - it’s about addressing the root causes of PANS, Autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. The team will be testing a special form of butyrate (alongside other treatments) that can reach the brain. This could help change the way certain brain processes are switched on or off at an epigentic level, potentially reversing the challenges children with PANS face.

💙 A huge thank you to Professor Dale for listening to our families and ensuring our voices shape this research, and congratulations to Dr. Patel and the entire team for making this possible.

This truly marks the beginning of a paradigm shift- moving from symptom management to more readily accessible, less invasive, disease-modifying treatments - so children can live lives that reflect their full potential.

🔗 Find out more here: https://avant.org.au/foundation/creating-transformational-change-in-healthcare?fbclid=IwY2xjawMy1JhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHq10RyY0XoBrTMoCWSkqxUFKzsCdExlROEYDDBk_l8wL6C45VJFFIAEhJ8KW_aem_4rwrGBH0XYLja_veW3mewA

13/09/2025

Exciting Progress!! Following their paper demonstrating biological validity of PANS (see my recent posts and ai summary), Avant is Funding MORE RESEARCH!!

"We’re proud to announce that the University of Sydney has received our $1 million Avant Foundation Transformation Grant to lead groundbreaking research into childhood neurodevelopmental disorders - including Autism, ADHD and Tourette syndrome. Led by renowned paediatric neurologist Professor Russell Dale, this project represents a bold step forward in personalised medicine, exploring how environmental factors such as stress, infection and diet can alter brain development, and how targeted therapies might reverse these effects."

"We’re excited to support research that listens to families, responds to real-world challenges, and aims to give children the best chance to thrive."

--Butyrate--

https://avant.org.au/foundation/creating-transformational-change-in-healthcare

It also has a 4min video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsHSGVivMvM&t=5s

britapsych.com

Delivering support in doctors professional and personal life.

13/09/2025

Free PANS community conference - webinars hosted in the UK!! Recordings will be provided, so I've signed up to a bunch. I chose this post out of all of them because it has our Aussie OT Michelle Newby!!
https://lnkd.in/gcwxz5-D

britapsych.com

Join Occupational Therapists Beth and Michelle as they share practical strategies for supporting children and young people experiencing sensory challenges. Suitable for parents, families, educators and medical professionals. Register your space here: www.panspandasuk.org/conference25

Address

Sydney, NSW

Website

https://britapsych.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Brita List - Clinical Psychologist posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Sydney?

Brita List - Clinical Psychologist

10/10/2025

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

09/10/2025

03/10/2025

25/09/2025

19/09/2025

18/09/2025

14/09/2025

13/09/2025

13/09/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category