Sooma Partners with JSTT to Introduce Brain Stimulation Treatments in Occupational Healthcare
Järviseutu and Kallavesi Occupational Health Care (JSTT) now offer brain stimulation treatments for early-stage depression care. These treatments utilize Sooma’s Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) device. The goal is to reduce sick leave and enhance well-being, particularly for patients who don’t respond well to or aren’t suitable for conventional depression treatments.
Depression is one of the most common causes of work incapacity and sick leave in Finland and worldwide. According to the Social Insurance Institution of Finland Kela, mental health issues led to long-term sick leave for over 100,000 Finns in 2023. Finland has approximately 188,000 people on disability pensions, and MIELI Suomen Mielenterveys ry reports that more than half of these are due to mental health conditions. The occupational pension insurer TELA estimates that the annual costs of work incapacity exceed 10 billion euros, accounting for both disability pensions and lost potential work output.
JSTT, responsible for the occupational health of about 30,000 people in the Pohjois-Savo region, is pioneering a new neurostimulation treatment for depression in occupational healthcare. This approach aims to improve depression treatment and boost work ability and well-being.
These treatments utilize Sooma’s Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) device. tDCS employs a mild electrical current to stimulate the brain, alleviating depression symptoms without pharmaceuticals. Sooma’s treatment targets the brain directly, relieving symptoms without the systemic side effects often associated with antidepressant medications.
During a pilot study in occupational healthcare, Sooma’s brain stimulation therapy proved effective in alleviating depressive symptoms. Most patients who took part in the pilot study reported eased depressive symptoms, improved mood and functional ability, and a notable increase in well-being throughout the treatment period.
“The results are promising, and we’re excited to make this new depression treatment more widely available. For occupational health, brain stimulation therapy opens up new possibilities to treat depression, reduce sick leave, and – most importantly – boost well-being,” says Anne Juntunen, senior physician at JSTT.
Sooma’s depression treatment includes a portable neuromodulation device, a mobile app for patient-controlled treatment, and a digital platform for clinicians. This platform allows remote monitoring of treatment adherence and personalized adjustments, regardless of patient location. Clinicians can manage multiple patients simultaneously, offering an efficient and scalable solution for depression treatment and making brain stimulation more accessible. Sooma’s prescription-only therapies can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with other treatments.
“Brain stimulation offers drug-free and effective help for depression as a home treatment. This expands and equalizes treatment opportunities, especially for patients who don’t respond to medication or lack access to psychotherapy. We’re committed to ensuring every patient with depression easily receives the right treatment for their needs. It’s exciting that we can further extend our care through occupational health services,” says Sooma’s CEO Tuomas Neuvonen.
Sooma’s brain stimulation devices have become the most prescribed tDCS therapies worldwide, treating over 20,000 patients in more than 35 countries. Proven effective in placebo-controlled trials, the treatment helps most patients experience symptom relief within weeks. This has enabled them to overcome severe work impairment and resume their normal routines.
More information about the Järviseutu and Kallavesi Occupational Health and Sooma pilot:
- Twenty patients with moderate to severe depression or recurrent depressive episodes participated in the pilot. Some patients also experienced anxiety and burnout symptoms.
- During the treatment period, seven patients’ Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores decreased by at least 50%. Six other patients showed significant improvement, with BDI scores decreasing by less than 50%.
- In their feedback, participants reported eased depression symptoms, improved mood and functional ability, and a clear increase in overall well-being during the treatment period.
- The pilot took place at the Järviseutu Occupational Health Kuopio office from late 2023 to early 2024.
Järviseudun ja Kallaveden Työterveys Oy
Järviseudun ja Kallaveden Työterveys Oy was founded in 2018. Its main owners are the Finnish cities of Kuopio and Varkaus, Siilinjärvi municipality, and Pohjois-Savo welfare area. Järviseudun Työterveys Oy is an in-house company that offers extensive occupational health services to employees of its owners, as well as statutory occupational health care to companies in the area. Kallaveden Työterveys Oy is a sister company operating in the same market. Together, the companies employ about 100 people across seven locations: Varkaus, Kuopio (KYS, Viestikatu, and Nilsiä), Siilinjärvi, Lapinlahti, and Tuusniemi.
https://www.jstt.fi/
About Sooma Medical
Founded in 2013, Sooma is a Finnish medical device company specializing in non-invasive brain stimulation devices for neurological and psychiatric disorders. Sooma works closely with leading medical experts to develop effective treatment solutions.
