Plant-based, alternative mood disorders treatment
The term mood disorders describes a group of mental health conditions that are characterised by persistent periods of strong emotions, such as intense sadness and hopelessness or hypomania and elation. The two most common mood disorders are depression disorders and bipolar disorders. Although natural, alternative therapies are not a suitable treatment for all mood disorders, plant-based treatments may be able to assist patients with depression disorders manage their symptoms.
Am I eligible?1 in 5
people in the UK are affected by mood disorders, and they are more likely to affect women, say NHS.
280 Million
people around the world are believed to have depression according to World Health Organisation.
50%
Average depression scores fall by almost 50% within 3 months of plant-based treatment shows T21 data.
⅔
of UK adults would consider using plant-based treatment treatments, according to representative research.
“Having a medical cannabis card makes me feel better - and that counts“
Daisy, Releaf Patient
October 2023
Symptoms
Intense or persistent sadness
Elated ‘highs’ (hypomania)
Issues with self-worth
Problems with sleep
Issues with energy levels
Trouble concentrating
Changes in appetite
Suicidal thoughts
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
When treating or managing the symptoms of mood disorders, there are a number of conventional treatment options available. Psychotherapy courses such as CBT, or DBT are typically recommended, and a number of medications may be considered to calm symptoms, or their interference with daily life.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Mood stabilisers
Anticonvulsants
Antipsychotics
Find out if you may be eligible for natural mood disorder treatments here
Am I eligible?A word from our specialist
Dr David Tang
Clinic Director
Can mood disorders benefit from plant-based alternatives?
Since 2018, plant-based, alternative health products have been an available treatment option for patients with a range of health conditions, if they have been struggling to manage their symptoms with the licensed options recommended for their condition.
Patients with certain types of mood disorder, such as depressive disorders, may be suitable for plant-based options if other treatments have been failing to meet their needs, or have caused unwanted and unpleasant side effects.
Although research is ongoing, at the moment the evidence in this field is limited when compared with other condition based clinical trials or investigations involving plant-based products.
Real life evidence, gathered from patient surveys and observational studies, demonstrates natural alternative therapies can be effective in helping to combat the symptoms of depression, and also improve quality of life scores for some patients.
However, there is also evidence to suggest that these natural alternatives are not an appropriate treatment option for all mood disorders. This is why it is essential that plant-based treatments for mood disorders are overseen by qualified healthcare professionals, like those that work for Releaf.