Location: Sweden
Flow provides a home-based depression treatment plan that uses a headset to deliver brain stimulation in 30-minute sessions. Combined with cognitive behaviour therapy through their app, patients can reduce or eliminate their depressive symptoms.
19.7% of the population over the age of 16 in the UK showed signs of depression or anxiety in 2014. Depression is a common mental health disorder that can affect someone’s ability to function and their quality of life. The symptoms vary significantly between people.
As accessibility to mental health treatment and support becomes increasingly important, startups like Flow are developing new ways to treat depression at home. The Swedish startup combines behavioural therapy with transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to help people overcome depression.
The Flow headset device links to the patient’s smartphone for regular therapy sessions. The headset delivers light electrical signals to the wearer’s brain, which activates brain cells and reduces depressive symptoms. The user controls the intensity of the current through the app, so they can set what is most comfortable for them. The device is approved for use in the UK and EU.
For the first two weeks, users should complete five 30-minute stimulation sessions per week. After that, its recommended to undertake two sessions per week for a minimum of four weeks. During the half-hour period, people can work through the 50+ virtual therapy sessions to better understand their depression, learn how to manage symptoms, and track their recovery progress. Numerous research studies support this type of brain stimulation, but the company advises seeking guidance from a healthcare professional before use. The app can also be used without the Flow headset and is completely free.
Website: https://flowneuroscience.com/product/flow-device/
Email: support@flowneuroscience.com
Image: Flow Neuroscience
