Flow tDCS Portable Wireless Headset
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Product details
What is Flow?
Flow is a wireless headset that treats depression using a non-invasive brain stimulation method called tDCS or transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. The Flow tDCS headset brings previously in-clinic techniques used to treat depression directly to your home.
Key Features:
- Wearable headset used by over 25,000 people.
- Used by the NHS.
- 77% of people see clinical results within 3 weeks.**
- 57% of people are no longer clinically depressed at 10 weeks***
- Rated ’Excellent’ on Trustpilot.
- 35-day money-back guarantee.
- Initial 5 weeks of refill Pads included
- One time only fee for headset service
- 1 year warranty included
** This is based on our real world data from 1,296 users, ‘clinical results’ is defined as a 3 point improvement in the MADRS-s score. Users complete a MADRS-s questionnaire as part of the treatment - the MADRS-s is a widely used depression score, users take it weekly when they use Flow so the data is self-reported.
*** Data from our clinical trial with 174 patients which showed that 57% of people using Flow were in remission at 10 weeks
In order to use Flow you must be over 18 years of age and diagnosed with depression, which is usually done by your GP or a psychiatrist. You must speak to your GP before using Flow and always before making changes to your current treatment for depression.
How does it work?
The Flow headset uses a gentle method to help the brain work better, called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). It focuses on a part of the brain known as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, or DLPFC for short.
Depression can happen when the DLPFC isn't as active as it should be. This part of the brain helps us with our mood, staying focused, and with our sleep and eating habits. When it's not working right, these things can be affected.
Flow works by sending a very small and safe electric current, about 2 milliamperes (2mA), to the DLPFC through electrodes that sit on the forehead. By doing this, it helps the DLPFC become more active with time.
Use the headset for 30 minutes 5 times a week for the first 3 weeks and then 2 times a week after that.
The stimulation session can easily fit into your schedule, you can use the headset while doing other things such as watching TV, reading or answering emails.
Want to learn more about Flow? Visit Flow tDCS headset.
How effective is Flow?
Flow Neuroscience has carried out its own clinical randomised controlled trial (RCT), one of the largest of its kind for tDCS technology which showed that 57% of people using Flow were in remission at 10 weeks. More information about mental health can be found at the Boots Health Hub Mental Health Support & Advice. Read the pre-print here.
More information about mental health can be found at the Boots Health Hub Mental Health Support & Advice - Boots Health Hub
Product specification:
- Compatible with iOS (11+) and Android (5.0+, Lollipop)
- Bluetooth controlled through the Flow – Depression app
- Stimulation current: 2 mA
- MicroUSB charger with EU (Type C) or UK (Type G) socket, depending on your order
- All materials are biocompatible and comply with ISO 10993-1
- Includes printed user manual in multiple languages
- Made in Sweden
How to use
Starting your treatment is quick and easy.
The first step is to download the Flow app which will walk you through how to use the headset and guide you through your treatment.
If you need help you can contact our support team, or join our 3,000+ member online community.
What is the Flow treatment schedule?
Activation Phase
- Weeks 1-3
- Kickstarts treatment
- Includes 5 stimulations a week
- Introduces behaviour therapy courses
- Supports better regulation of mood, sleep, focus
Strengthening Phase
- Weeks 4+
- Continues to strengthen and preserve results and reduces the risk of relapse.
- Includes 2 stimulations a week
- Further implement practices from app
- Protects progress and prevents future episodes of depression
Hazards and Cautions
Precautions:
Using the Flow device poses minimal risk of injury. Even so, it is recommended to consider multiple treatment options. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
The Flow device should only be used by people over 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with depression (Major Depressive Disorder). The Flow device should not be applied to open wounds or damaged skin
Take extra precaution and make sure to consult your physician under the following circumstances:
- You are thinking of changing something about your current treatment, for example changing your antidepressant dosage
- You are unsure about your diagnosis
- You are pregnant, think you might be, or become pregnant while using Flow
- You currently have thoughts about suicide or harming yourself
- You have been told there is a problem with your skull or if you have metal parts in or around the brain, like brain surgery clips, metal plates or screws in the skull, cochlear implants or brain pacemakers such as those used for Parkinson’s disease. It is fine to use the device if you have dentures.
- You have epilepsy or have had seizures
- You have a chronic skin condition affecting your forehead, such as psoriasis
- You have bipolar disorder
