Autoimmune Perspectives: Part 1: Understanding autoimmunity

In Autoimmunity Perspectives – Part 1, Emma Sutherland is joined by Dr Michelle Woolhouse, Lisa Costa-Bir, Dr Adrian Lopresti, and Mick Alexander for a dynamic panel discussion exploring current perspectives on autoimmune disease across both research and clinical practice. 

The discussion highlights reported prevalence trends and the observation that autoimmune presentations are common and particularly seen among female patients. From there, the panel examines a range of factors that may be associated with driving immune dysregulation, including psychological stress, gut dysbiosis, sleep disruption, hormonal influences, and environmental exposures. 

A key focus of this episode is the integration of multiple health care disciplines, with insights from general practice, naturopathy, pharmacy, and psychology contributing to a broader understanding of autoimmune presentations. 

Assessment approaches, clinical frameworks such as the 3P model, and the psychological impact of diagnosis are also explored, offering practitioners a structured and patient-centred lens for clinical consideration.