eHAPPY
Introducing eHAPPY:
Short for electrical happiness, eHAPPY is an electrical stimulation device that increases the rate of serotonin release at the synapse. The best part: it's all connected to an app on your electronic device. This app monitors serotonin levels and controls the electrical stimulation at the synapse.
The Science Behind It
eHappy is unique in its approach to depression.
Unlike SSRIs, which target the reuptake sites,
eHAPPY focuses on long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP is the concept that if a neuron is used regularly, its firing potential is higher. Using this idea, eHAPPY stimulates the neurons in the brainstem, particularly the Raphe Nuclei, where serotonin is released.
While SSRIs focus on leaving more serotonin in the synaptic cleft longer, eHAPPY's goal is to flood the synapse with serotonin more often.
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The Technology Behind It
eHAPPY utilizes electrical brain stimulation (EBS)
to stimulate the neurons in the brain. This process causes neurons to fire at desired times. These times are noted when the brain's serotonin levels fall below a certain point.
Serotonin levels can be tracked with a new invention called a Wireless Instantaneous Neurotransmitter Concentration System (WINCS). According to Mayo Clinic, "WINCS can measure serotonin with a technology called fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, which is an electrochemical method of being able to measure serotonin in real-time in the living brain."
With a small invasive procedure, a permanent WINCS device, as well as an electrical stimulation device, can be implanted in your brain. As scary as an invasive procedure may sound, the process is refined and minimal. Both of these would easily connect to your phone, allowing for constant monitoring and administration of stimulus.
Future Implications:
A variety of other neurological disorders could be treated if this same technology is applied. For example, Parkinsons, certain seizure disorders, and Alzheimers are disorders that could be treated.