A New Alternative for many New Zealanders

Press Release: A New Alternative for many New Zealanders

An exciting new alternative or adjunct to Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and/or anti-depressants has just been introduced into New Zealand to aid those who suffer from severe stress, anxiety or insomnia.

The new device is the Alpha-Stim Stress Control System (AS SCS) which uses self-administered Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) to activate nerve cells in the brain that produce serotonin and acetylcholine chemicals. It works at a molecular level stimulating the body’s natural chemicals through the use of microcurrent waveforms. It has high efficacy and minimal self-limiting side effects.

The AS SCS is also effective for those suffering only mild stress related illness, anxiety
and/or insomnia. The treatment works well in combination with other therapy and sometimes as a standalone and is well tolerated by most.

The Distributor for Alpha-Stim in New Zealand and Action for Mental Health Society (AMHS) board member, Mr. John Hyde says many New Zealanders will benefit from being able to access treatment with these devices which is self administered. Advances in technology and research have reduced the cost of these medical devices and improved the efficacy so they are now more affordable and effective for New Zealanders.

He states, “I felt strongly that our clients and the public of New Zealand needed other alternatives to supplement present treatment options.”

Mr. Hyde believes the Alpha-Stim medical devices will be very useful in both acute treatment facilities and in recovery and ongoing maintenance programs. This could assist in reducing the relapse rates and also provide General Practitioners (GPs) with a good alternative which can be used alongside other treatment. “The results being achieved overseas and now in New Zealand are very encouraging.”

Approximately one in five New Zealanders develop a serious mood disorder before the age of 24, with one in seven developing major depressive disorders. Studies show anti-depressants are less effective than previously thought at combating these types of illnesses.

Alpha-Stim have also developed a Personal Pain Manager (AS PPM) to relieve pain. This is also being introduced to New Zealand. The AS PPM uses Microcurrent Electrical Therapy (MET). MET is an electromedical intervention indicated for the treatment of pain. The microcurrent devices stimulate the affected tissue with less than 1mA of electrical current, most commonly delivered with hand-held probes or self-adhesive electrodes that bracket the treated area. MET is a highly effective modality in the treatment of a variety of pain problems, including:
* Any nerve, muscle or articular pain
* Cancer pain
* Decubital ulcers and fractures
* Periodontal, orthodontic and post surgical pain
* Sprains, strains, and spasms
* Paresis
* Post-operative pain and scars

A third device, the AS 100 combines the features of both the Stress Control System and Personal Pain Manager. More expensive, and used by those who suffer from both conditions. Overseas, many GPs have these in their medical kits and surgery and use or rent them to patients as required.

The medical devices were listed by MedSafe in December 2007.

Further information about the Alpha-Stim range of medical devices, research, and uses, can be seen at www.medistim.co.nz

ENDS

Web: http://www.medistim.co.nz

About Medistim New Zealand
Medistim New Zealand was founded to import and distribute Alpha-Stim medical devices in New Zealand and the South Pacific. It has been appointed the Authorised Distributor.

Alpha-Stim medical devices were listed by MedSafe in December 2007 for use in New Zealand. ARTG No 137247

The company is headquartered in Auckland, and its staff have been trained in the use and support of the Alpha-Stim medical devices. These are already in use in some local medical institutions and homes in New Zealand.

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