EP11 – Shining a Light On Undiagnosed Illnesses with Chief Clinical Officer of the Neurobehavioral Institute, “Undiagnosed” Film Creator, and Rare Mom Dr. Katia Mortiz
RARE MAMAS RISING EPISODE 11
Dr. Katia Moritz, a licensed psychologist Board Certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology. She is the co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of the Neurobehavioral Institute, where she specializes in treating Severe Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Moritz is also a rare mom, with two of her three children having Gaucher disease, a rare genetic disorder causing organ inflammation and dysfunction. Even more, Dr. Moritz is an undiagnosed patient herself. In 2010, she underwent a routine endoscopy and woke up with an unknown syndrome. After seeing doctors all over the country at various facilities, she is still undiagnosed. In her search for help, she has encountered a world of undiagnosed patients and families that are equally as desperate for answers. The glaring need for awareness of undiagnosed illnesses has inspired her to create a documentary film called “Undiagnosed,” based on the stories of the patients, their doctors, and the medical system that struggles to serve them.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
In this episode Katia & Nikki discuss:
- Katia’s entry into the world of rare diseases with two of her children who have Gaucher disease
- Her personal experience navigating a diagnostic odyssey with her undiagnosed illness
- The role mental health plays in navigating a rare or undiagnosed disease
- Advice for mothers who have experienced the impact of caregiving on their mental health and what they can do to take care of their mental and emotional well-being
- What Katia’s learned being the creator and co-director of “Undiagnosed,” a film about undiagnosed patients
- The meaningful work she’s doing to shine a light on undiagnosed illnesses and support the undiagnosed community
- Advice and learnings for other mothers navigating a rare or undiagnosed disease with their children
