Flow Neuroscience says brain stimulation headset, therapy app may offer new treatment for depression

Flow Neuroscience on Thursday announced the launch of a pilot study of the company's transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) headset device and behaviour therapy, which it says could eventually offer a new treatment for depression. "The results will help the process of getting the Flow device reimbursed by healthcare providers, including the NHS," the company said.

"We’re empowering people to self-manage their depression with safe, effective and medication-free digital alternatives," commented CEO Daniel Mansson, adding that "this is the first clinical study to examine the full effect of a combined tDCS and behaviour therapy treatment."

Andre Brunoni, who will lead the trial, said "Flow has created a powerful medical device treatment for depression without the adverse effects associated with pharmacological therapies." Brunoni also co-authored two prior studies published in the NEJM and British Journal of Psychiatry, which showed that "tDCS, of the type used by Flow, had a similar impact to antidepressants, with fewer, less-severe side effects," according to the company.

Flow is classified as a Class IIa medical device in Europe intended for use as a treatment for depression and was certified by BSI's Netherlands notified body. The Flow headset, which retails at £399 ($525), uses tDCS to activate neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the brain region that controls cognitive skills and emotional expression. Flow added that the interactive content on the therapy app program is based on "research on lifestyle changes to help users reduce depression, including nutrition, sleep, exercise and meditation."

In October, Flow announced a partnership with psychology and psychiatry clinics in London's Harley Street medical district to offer patients the tDCS headset and behaviour therapy app to treat depression.