Validation of a Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Device (Nettle) to Manage Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects ~820,000 women in the UK and costs the UK economy £8.47 billion per year. This disorder is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), characterised by intense symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in the two weeks prior to menstruation, meaning that it can severely negatively impact a woman’s life for nearly half of her reproductive years. Current treatments for PMDD, including psychotherapy, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and hysterectomies, are largely inadequate as they are not tailored to alleviate the specific symptoms of PMDD. They are also difficult to maintain, have unwanted side effects or are extremely invasive.

Research over the last 20 years shows that non-invasive stimulation of the prefrontal cortex via transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can significantly improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly in women. Moreover, this technique is easy to administer at home and has minimal side effects, making it a promising, maintainable treatment option. Nettle, is a Class-IIa, CE-marked, non-invasive, drug-free, hormone-free, Bluetooth-controlled wearable tDCS device developed by women at Samphire Neuroscience to alleviate symptoms of PMS and PMDD. This device is controlled by a smartphone app to provide painless stimulation to both the motor cortex (to alleviate physical pain) and the prefrontal cortex (to improve symptoms of mood disorders).

Validation of a Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Device (Nettle) to Manage Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a 6-month SBRI funded project, led by Dr Paul Faulkner at Queen Mary University of London in partnership with Health Innovation Network South London that aims to improve the mental health of women who suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

The project has two primary objectives.

•      To validate the at-home use of a novel transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device termed Nettle to alleviate the physical and mental symptoms of PMDD.

•      To determine optimal strategies for integrating Nettle into NHS treatment protocols for PMDD, through two roundtable events that brought together a small group of academics, NHS clinicians, commissioners and other relevant organisations, that have an active interest in this area.

The two round table discussion reports are now available:

Roundtable discussion report from 24 March 2025.

Roundtable discussion report from 23 June 2025.

Following the conclusion of phase one of the project, a special one-hour online webinar ‘Exploring the Outcomes of the Validation of Nettle for PMDD symptoms‘ is taking place on Monday 13 October from 12.30pm – 1.30pm.

The webinar will explore the outcomes of the phase one study, provide insights from Samphire Neuroscience (the developers of the Nettle device) and feature the lived experience perspective from a participant of the study.

You can find out more and get your free ticket here.