FLOW
Annie's story
• 77% of people see results within 3 weeks
• 66% of people are less anxious after using Flow for 3 weeks^^
• 92% saw significant improvement in depressive symptoms
in 10 weeks‡
The Flow tDCS Headset
• Used by the NHS
• Start treatment at the click of a button
• No waiting lists
• Rated excellent on Trustpilot (January 2024)
• Only needs to be used for 30 minutes at a time
The Flow app
• Free to download
• Used to connect and control the stimulation
• Learn all about treating depression
• In-app behavioural therapy programme written by
licensed psychologists
• Get weekly feedback about how your depressive symptoms are
doing by completing a weekly MADRS-s questionnaire within the app.
MADRS-s is a widely used depression score that helps record your progress
What is tDCS?
The Flow headset uses transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, or simply, tDCS. The headset has 2 electrodes and these electrodes will go on either side of your forehead and send out a minor electric current. This passes through the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) – a brain area that often under functions in patients with depression (specifically the left side of the DLPFC).
The current helps neurons in that region to “fire up” and make them more active. A more active DLPFC can raise mood and reduce depressive symptoms.
Stimulation schedule
Weeks 1-3 - Stimulate for 30 mins 5 times a week.
Week 4+ Stimulate for 30 mins 2 times a week.
The device can be worn whilst you’re going about your day. Whether you’re watching your favourite TV show, answering emails or reading a book!
What Flow users say
“Since doing Flow, I have the sparkle back.
My partner noticed how different I was. I am loving life.”
Sarah-Louise, Liverpool
“I feel so much calmer and more focused after using it.”
Tomas, Bournemouth
“Since using Flow I have felt a vast difference in my energy. I am happier than I have been for a long time.”
Lindsay, Derry
“I was driving home tonight and this thought came into my head. I feel alive! Flow is doing something good for me.”
Margaret, UK
“I was going through a divorce and finding things very challenging. Flow gave me more energy, my brain felt more healthy… it helped me through a dark patch.”
Luke, Essex
Most Flow users experience an improvement in their depression within 3 weeks of using Flow.
You should speak to your GP before using Flow and always before making changes to your current treatment for depression. We’d advise everyone to complete the full 10 week initial program before evaluating whether Flow is working for them. If Flow has improved your depression after 10 weeks, we’d advise you to continue the treatment for at least another 6 to 12 months. Should you experience sharp pain during stimulation, or an increase of depressive symptoms, discontinue the treatment immediately and consult a physician.
You can read more on using Flow long-term here.
If you’re not happy with your Flow headset for any reason, you can ask to return it within 30 days and receive a full refund.
If the Flow treatment is helpful for the first 10 weeks of your treatment, we recommend you to continue for at least another 6 to 12 months, even if you have become symptom-free.
Our team of clinicians have developed detailed guidance on how to use Flow which you can read here.
The Flow device was designed by experts and is based on tDCS techniques that have been used in clinics for over a decade to treat depression.
The Flow device has undergone research that confirms it is an effective treatment for depression. tDCS is also listed as a treatment for depression on the NHS website.
Read more about Safety and Precautions here.
Yes. About half of our users follow the behavioural therapy courses in the app, but you don’t have to. You can listen to music, watch TV, play computer games - whatever you want. Just don’t operate heavy machinery, go near water or perform intense exercise.
Whenever works best for you. Some people feel energised after a stimulation so use it in the morning. Some people feel sleepy so do it at night.
Scientifically, it doesn’t matter, so you can work out a routine that works for you.
Yes - Flow can be used alongside antidepressants, and many people use it alongside medication. If you are thinking about lowering your dose of antidepressants, or coming off them completely, you must talk to your doctor first.
Flow has been tested on depression. We don’t have any specific clinical research on how it impacts anxiety on its own.
However, every week people who use Flow answer a questionnaire. In this sample of 10,000 users 58% are less anxious after using Flow for 3 weeks. We recommend that you should always talk to your doctor before using Flow for a stand-alone diagnosis of anxiety.
You should speak to your GP before using Flow and always before making changes to your current treatment for depression.
If any of the following applies to you, it is recommended to talk with your doctor first:
• You are pregnant or think you might be
• You have a skull problem or something metal inside your head
• You have epilepsy or have had seizures
• You have a device implanted in your body, like a heart pacemaker or a cochlear implant
• You have a skin condition affecting your forehead (where the device is placed)
• You have thoughts about harming yourself
• You are thinking of changing something about your current treatment
FLOW
*This is based on our real world data from 1,200 users, ‘results’ is defined as any improvement in their MADRS-s score. The MADRS-s is a widely used depression score, users take it weekly when they use Flow so the data is self-reported.
**Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
†Source: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20180328140249/http://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21748
††Source: The British Journal of Psychiatry (2021)
^Source: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20180328140249/http://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21748
^^Real world data from Flow, 2,510 users.
‡In clinical trial.
