As the world reacts to the pandemic, many people are looking for ways to help manage their symptoms. One popular solution is using technology, specifically smartphones and ADHD-specific apps. While there is no solid evidence that these solutions are effective, they may be helpful for some people.
ADHD is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to focus, pay attention, and control their behavior. This disorder can cause a person to lose an average of 22 days of productivity per year. However, the US has been seeing an increase in childhood ADHD diagnosis which may be due to better detection and treatment options. Venture capitalists have been investing heavily in the European mental health sector but they have pulled back recently due to the downturn in the economy.
Many app-based services are emerging that focus on helping people with ADHD and other mental health conditions. HelloSelf is a London-based company that matches patients with licensed therapists, while Inflow is an app which purportedly helps members better manage ADHD through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) based support. Centered is a desktop app that provides an AI voice coaches to help ADHD sufferers stay focused, (with Pomodoro timers, calendaring, etc.), and also has “Buddy Sessions” between members and for productivity and ADHD coaches. Ukrainian-originated startup Numo is an an app for adults with ADHD that gamifies daily tasks and gets support from AI advisers. Healios raised a £7 million ($9.9M) Series A round to expand its platform across the UK.
Now there is a productivity browser that caters to ADHD sufferers and people generally distracted by attention demands. Sidekick launches features today designed to help these groups more effectively manage their time and focus.
Sidekick has developed a AI-powered chatbot platform that helps people with disabilities connect with friends and family. The company is currently in the process of raising $2 million from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and other investors. Sidekick believes that its platform will be instrumental in helping those with disabilities break out of isolation, connect with loved ones, and pursue their passions.
Some users of the Chromium-based browser, founded by Dmitry Pushkarev (a Stanford Ph.D. in Molecular Biology), ex-Amazon exec and ADHDer, claimed to notice a significant improvement after using it. This is likely due to the fact that Chromium focuses on simplicity and ease of use, which may be beneficial for those with this condition.
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Some people find that using browsers with these features, such as AdBlock 2.0 and Focus Mode Timer, helps to eliminate distractions. Others may prefer browsers without such features, preferring instead to focus on tasks at hand without having to deal with sound or notification disruptions. Regardless of what distraction-fighting style works best for a person, all browsers feature built-in timers that can aid in keeping track of how long a task has taken and help one get organized throughout the day.
Dmitry Pushkarev is concerned with the gap between browsers and work. He believes that less web distraction will lead to increased productivity and a better quality of life. This is an important message, as many people struggle with online distractions throughout the day. With help from Modern Browser, Dmitry hopes to create a more efficient online world for everyone
The startup plans to charge corporate subscribers a fee to help improve the productivity of employees with ADHD. The fees will go towards funding research and development into more effective methods of treatment.
Despite its competitors, Sidekick is still a popular browser choice for those who want to reduce their distraction levels. Its features include built-in privacy features and tracking protection, as well as an easy-to-use design that makes it perfect for users who want to keep their browsing activity minimal.
Sidekick may have stumbled onto an important niche market with its ADHD-focused products. While ADHD is not a new condition, it seems to be becoming increasingly common, especially in children. It’s estimated that one in five schoolchildren have suffered from ADHD at some point, and the disorder can continue into adulthood. According to Sidekick, many of those adults still suffer from symptoms of the disorder. This could be a key market for Sidekick’s products – people who are still struggling with ADHD after trying other treatments may find relief through
