The rate of mental health issues in Australia is increasing. The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing conducted in 2007 found that an estimated 1 in 5 (20%) Australians aged 16–85 experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months (ABS 2008). 1 With such a high proportion of our communities reporting mental health…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or is it? Work is wrapping up. Our calendar is packed with various celebrations with our family friends and colleagues. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or is it? This time of year can do a real number on your gut microbiome and mental health.…

Inositol is a type of sugar with many benefits and naturally occurs in foods such as beans, fruits, grains and nuts. Your body can also produce inositol from the carbohydrates you eat. Taking inositol as a supplement in high doses may have a number of health benefits and reduce symptoms of certain health issues, especially…

The concepts of Functional Medicine are well suited for disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder. The development of autism involves multiple organ system imbalances, including the brain, gut and immune systems and detoxification pathways. There is a wide range of severities and causes for children and adults with autism, so not everyone should be treated in…

  Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. It can cause many symptoms, including hallucinations, paranoia, breaking from reality, flat affect or a reduced ability to express emotions.  People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment. Early treatment may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may help improve…

In Australia and throughout the world, many of us do not get the sleep we need to function optimally. Often, there are underlying problems that cause regular cycles of sleep to be disturbed and the development of sleep disorders.  Sleep disorders are often a result of an underlying deficiency or an overstimulation of the brain.  Balancing…

Anxiety disorder can significantly impact your quality of life. If you have a MTHFR gene mutation, it is probable that you have suffered from anxiety and depression at some time in your life.  Many of our patients at our Perth clinic of Advanced Functional Medicine have tried different antidepressants with little or no effect, often…

In Australia, it’s estimated that 45 percent of people will experience anxiety or another mental health condition in their lifetime. In any one year, over 2 million Australians have anxiety. 1 It is in our nation’s best interest to look for ways to reduce anxiety and improve the overall wellbeing of the population. An increasing…

Pyrrole disorder is also known as Pyrrole Disease, Mauve Factor, Kryptopyrroluria and Pyrroluria. Pyrrole Disorder is a condition that can contribute and cause many mental health-related symptoms including anxiety and depression. At our Perth clinic, Advanced Functional Medicine, we commonly test and provide treatment of pyrrole disorder.   Pyrrole disorder is a condition that can be treated…

Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging field that achieves outstanding results in improving and resolving mental health conditions. Most of us can easily understand the connection between nutritional deficiencies and physical illness. Many people, however, are unaware of the impact nutrition has on mental health. Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging discipline shedding light on the fact…