E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
As the winter season looms towards us , many of us will face the difficult symptoms of SAD , whether we suffer ourselves or must support friends and family with the disorder it can be a difficult season that many dread . Previously known as the ‘ winter blues ’, I ask experts : How is technology addressing Seasonal Affective Disorder and what advancements are supporting mental well-being during the winter of 2024 ?
Steve Hutchinson , Managing Director at epi , Manufacturer of the Alpha-Stim , commented : “ Technology to support those experiencing mental health conditions such as SAD is growing in prominence . With people across the UK facing long waiting times to speak to their GP and mental health support referrals . People are increasingly turning to alternative treatment methods that allow them to help themselves at home .
“ The Alpha-Stim device is one such example . The device is designed to manage the brain ’ s electrical activity to influence mood regulation . It is an at-home portable device which simply clips to both earlobes through soft pad clips and delivers low-level electric currents , with patients using it for 20 , 40 or 60-minute sessions each day . The non-invasive , medication-free treatment can be used in conjunction with other treatments , such as therapy and counselling to treat some of the symptoms of SAD .
“ Anxiety is one of the key symptoms of SAD , often materialising itself in poor sleep and low mood . The Alpha-Stim has been proven to be a successful and safe treatment of anxiety through various successful NHS trials . A study carried out by Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust ( NHFT ) concluded that ‘ the implementation and use of the device were found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve health status and be feasible and acceptable of staff and patients .’
“ For those that suffer from SAD , serotonin , norepinephrine , and dopamine are at low levels . The electrical stimulation produced by Alpha-Stim can help to normalise the functionality of the brain and facilitate a better ability to combat some of the issues experienced during SAD . Additionally , SAD has been linked to disrupted circadian clocks and sleep / wake cycles . Alpha-Stim is regularly used by people to regulate their sleep cycles . By using the device before bed , people have reported enjoying longer , less disrupted sleep , key to improving mental wellbeing .
“ The Alpha-Stim offers an additional solution for mental health conditions , it ’ s safe , effective and available to use now . For those people experiencing minor symptoms or those already on a treatment plan for anxiety or depression , taking advantage of the technology available can only help them further . We have been working with a series of esteemed clinicians , mental health charities and the NHS to introduce this technology to their patients with overwhelmingly positive results . However , it is always recommended that people speak to their GP or local mental health support service if their symptoms are not lessening .”
HOW IS TECHNOLOGY ADDRESSING SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER AND WHAT ADVANCEMENTS ARE SUPPORTING MENTAL WELL-BEING DURING THE WINTER OF 2024 ?
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