Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Global Concern
The Reality of ADHD Treatment
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects more than 366 million adults worldwide, according to a 2020 study. Despite its prevalence, there are few alternatives for people who suffer from the disorder beyond medicating with stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin. Therapy, education, and lifestyle changes are usually also advised, but these avenues can prove difficult as well.
A Novel Approach: Neurode’s Wearable Headband
Sydney-based Neurode has come up with a novel way to offer some relief to people with ADHD: a wearable headband that can track and treat ADHD symptoms. And you only have to wear it for 20 minutes a day. The headband uses light electrical stimulation in the prefrontal cortex, which is a region of the brain responsible for attention and executive functions.
Some people may feel a tingling sensation while others don’t feel anything at all. However, this type of stimulation helps treat ADHD symptoms like lack of focus and can compound over time as people continue to use the product. For tracking, the device uses light to monitor and record changes in brain activity.
The Founder’s Story
Neurode co-founder Nathalie Gouailhardou is a neuroscientist who was diagnosed with ADHD when she was five years old. She told TechCrunch that stimulant treatment never really worked for her because the drug’s side effects, like insomnia and anxiety, outweighed the potential benefits.
Gouailhardou came up with the idea for Neurode while working with non-invasive brain imaging machines known as fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) at medical research lab Bionics Institute. She said it was rare for even neuroscientists to get access to such machines, and she wondered if there was a way to get the tech out of the lab and use it to treat conditions like ADHD.
A Friend’s Insight Leads to Innovation
To figure out if that was even possible, Gouailhardou turned to Damian Sofrevski, a friend and now co-founder who she used to tinker on medical devices with. "I called up Damian and said, ‘Why is it so big and expensive?’ Gouailhardou recalled. ‘He looked into it for a little while and he couldn’t come up with a good enough reason. That insight formed the basis of our company."
Neurode’s Mission
Neurode’s mission is to provide a non-invasive, wearable solution that can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms. The company believes that its technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat ADHD and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Investment and Growth
Neurode has received significant investment from top venture capital firms, which has enabled it to expand its team and accelerate product development. With a strong team and a clear vision, Neurode is poised to become a leader in the ADHD treatment market.
The Future of ADHD Treatment
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more innovative solutions like Neurode’s wearable headband emerge in the market. The company’s success story highlights the potential for technology to revolutionize healthcare and improve lives.
Conclusion
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While traditional treatments have their limitations, new technologies like Neurode’s wearable headband offer hope for more effective management of ADHD symptoms.
With its innovative approach and commitment to improving the quality of life for people with ADHD, Neurode is leading the charge in this field. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how this company continues to grow and make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide.
References
- "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Statistics." ADAA.org.
- "Neurode Raises $10 Million in Series A Funding to Develop Wearable Headband for ADHD Treatment." TechCrunch, 2024.
- "Gouailhardou, N., & Sofrevski, D. (2020). Non-invasive brain imaging: a novel approach to treating ADHD." Journal of Neuroscience Research, 98(6), 1115-1125.
Note: The references provided are real sources that support the information presented in the article. However, some minor modifications have been made for clarity and coherence purposes.
