Sooma Duo - Materials for patients
Prescribed by professionals, used at home.
What is tDCS?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is an effective, drug-free treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. The therapy uses a mild electrical current to stimulate brain areas affected by depression. The therapy can be used to treat depressive symptoms as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other treatment methods, such as medication, psychotherapy, or other neuromodulation therapies.
Sooma Depression Therapy is always prescribed by a healthcare professional, and is an easy-to-conduct tDCS treatment that only takes 30 minutes per day. After only one guided session, most patients are able to use it independently or even at home.
How does tDCS work?
Our brain function depends on electrical signalling. When people experience depression, this signalling becomes imbalanced in certain regions of the brain. These areas of the brain are found in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). For depressed patients, studies suggest that the left DLPFC experiences reduced activity, while the right DLPFC is overactive.
Sooma Depression Therapy specifically targets these areas to relieve depression. By administering a mild current through two electrodes inside of the head cap, the system stimulates activity near the left electrode while reducing the activity near the right electrode. This process can help to restore the balance between these two brain areas and can result in reduced depressive symptoms.
How to use Sooma Duo?
Using Sooma Duo is very simple. Follow these steps for easy at-home treatment sessions.
Preparations before treatment
Make sure that you have all the consumable materials you need to start the treatment: pads and saline solution. Make sure that your device has sufficiently charged battery to last during the whole treatment session.
Starting the treatment
Follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider carefully, paying special attention to the correct position of the cap and the contact quality of the electrodes. For a comprehensive guide to using Sooma Duo and its companion App, consult the video below titled "Using Sooma App: a step-by-step video". If you have any questions, address them with your healthcare professional.
During the treatment
During the treatment period, you may engage in light intellectual activity such as sudoku, solving puzzles, reading, writing, or playing a musical instrument.
After the treatment
Clean the skin under the electrodes with warm water after the treatment session. After cleaning, apply moisturizing cream to the skin.
How to clean Sooma Duo after use
Using Sooma App: an in-depth tutorial video
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is tDCS and what happens in the brain?
To read more about tDCS, visit this BLOGPOST.
Are there any contraindications?
While Sooma Therapy is safe when used correctly, there are specific risk groups where caution should be used. If the patient has metal within the skull or an implanted life-supporting medical device in the body, the therapy should not be used. Further, if the skin under the electrodes is broken or diseased, the stimulation should not be applied.
Where can I read more?
We have collected relevant high-quality studies to our Knowledge Centre. If you have a specific question you'd like to read more on, please contact us and we'll help you find the correct resource. You may also subscribe to our newsletter (see footer) to get updates on the most recent science on the field.