Digital health Apps on prescription for nervous system and sensory organ disorders

Digital health applications (DiGA) are mobile apps or web applications that may be prescribed for medical purposes. They are also known as apps on prescription or health apps. DiGA are used to help treat various nervous system and sensory organ disorders.

Examples of conditions for which apps on prescription provide support include: 

• migraines
• tinnitus
• multiple sclerosis
• sleep disorders

All currently reimbursable apps available on prescription can be found in the DiGA directory compiled by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

A digital health application (DiGA) has been developed that is designed to support migraine treatment. The app can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and improve quality of life. 

The app guides users step by step to a modified diet tailored to their needs. This should help to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. The process starts with a blood sugar analysis. Users also keep a food journal. The app subsequently provides customized dietary recommendations. 

The app also provides information about the correlation between diet and migraines as well as about further migraine triggers, such as stress or too little or too much sleep. The headache journal in the app helps to retain an overview of the number of migraine attacks and potential further triggers. 

Digital health applications (DiGA) for the treatment of tinnitus are designed to reduce the impact of the condition. The apps contain exercises, for example to promote relaxation, make use of mindfulness or help deal with stress. They also provide a broad range of information about tinnitus, for example the potential causes of the condition.

There are various digital health applications (DiGA) designed to support people with multiple sclerosis. Depending on the specific app, these can aim to reduce the fatigue associated with the condition or generally improve users’ quality of life. The apps can be used to complement treatment or, in some cases, even as a stand-alone form of therapy.

The main function of the DiGA is usually in the form of a dialog between the user and the application. The app also provides a range of short information or exercises, and allows users to choose what they find particularly interesting or fitting for their situation at the time. Additional information or exercises follow based on their choices. This allows “conversation” to flow between the user and the app.

It is usually also possible to document symptoms and their progression. Users can repeat certain exercises or important content as well as play audio files or download worksheets.

Digital health applications (DiGA) are designed to complement treatment for certain medical conditions. However, some patients may choose not to use them for personal reasons. Whether you should use a specific DiGA is best decided in consultation with a doctor or physiotherapist.

Access to a DiGA requires a prescription from your doctor or psychotherapist. You can also obtain a DiGA by directly applying to your health insurance fund. When doing so, you will need to provide a document that certifies your diagnosis, for example. 

If several DiGA are available for your condition, you can compare their content in the DiGA directory. You can then work with your therapist to determine which DiGA best suits you and needs. 

If you have any questions about access to a DiGA or its approval, use or security, please read the introductory article Digital health applications (DiGA): apps on prescription.

Further information about DiGA for sleep disorders can be found in the article Apps on prescription – support with mental illnesses.