Regrettably, anxiety appears to be on the rise. According to a recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association, nearly 2 in 5 adults reported higher anxiety levels compared to the previous year. About half of respondents stated that their anxiety levels remained constant, while 30% sought help from mental health professionals for anxiety-related issues.
The survey highlighted that 70% of respondents were anxious about the safety of themselves and their families, 66% were concerned about their health, and 65% were anxious about financial matters. This increase in anxiety rates has prompted health organizations to take action. In 2019, the U.S. regulatory body for medical devices amended a rule to encourage innovation in devices aimed at addressing anxiety and insomnia.
One recent success story in this field is Neurovalen, a startup based in Belfast. They have received FDA clearance for a non-invasive anxiety treatment device. This device, worn like a headband with a wire and electrode, delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the vestibular nerve behind the ear. This stimulation activates brain areas responsible for stress responses, potentially reducing feelings of anxiety. Neurovalen’s CEO, Jason McCune, claims that the effects can be long-lasting after a 4-week treatment period. This is Neurovalen’s second FDA-cleared device; the first was designed to help with insomnia. They are also developing devices for obesity and PTSD.
Neurovalen’s approach of targeting the vestibular nerve is distinct from other methods, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which stimulates the entire surface of the brain. While tDCS has been available in supervised settings for some time, Sooma, a Helsinki-based startup, has closed a significant funding round to make its tDCS treatment more accessible. Sooma’s device, resembling a portable helmet, is remotely connected to physicians who can monitor and customize treatment for individual patients.
While Neurovalen and Sooma differ in their stimulation methods, they both share the belief that anxiety can be effectively treated without drugs or psychotherapy. Whether brain-stimulating treatments become mainstream remains to be seen. However, both companies are optimistic about the possibility of changing how we approach and treat anxiety.
