Everyone experiences anxiety and stress at some point in their life. Anxiety disorders affect 1 in 4 Australians at some stage in their life deeming it the most common group of mental health conditions in Australia.

Unfortunately, anxiety and stress cause secondary symptoms including sleep problems, difficulty with concentrating and depression. While there are various medications available, the impact of lifestyle interventions in quelling anxiety disorders is often underestimated.

There is preliminary evidence that anxiety disorders are also associated (similar to fatigue and depression) with increased inflammation in the immune system. 

Studies have shown that therapeutic plant-based medicines derived from the cannabis sativa plant have anti-inflammatory effects and can alleviate symptoms associated with inflammation related conditions such as anxiety and stress disorders. Based on these findings, anti-inflammatory interventions such as therapeutic plant-based medicines derived from the cannabis sativa plant and lifestyle interventions can be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety and stress disorders.

Dr Mehdi is a specialised GP and has been authorised by the TGA to prescribe therapeutic plant-based medicines. He has a special interest in lifestyle medicine which focuses on preventing, treating and reversing chronic conditions with lifestyle interventions.

If you are suffering from anxiety and/or stress, book a consultation to discover how plant-based treatment options and lifestyle medicine can improve your condition.