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Europe’s first medically-approved brain stimulation device to treat depression is now available for people to use from the comfort of their home.
The device, which uses small jolts of electricity to manipulate activity in the front of the brain, is used in conjunction with a virtual therapist on your phone.
Zapping brain tissue using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve symptoms of depression in several trials. Now, researchers at Flow Neuroscience have incorporated this non-invasive technology into an easy-to-wear headset, available to purchase for £399.
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tDCS uses a weak current to change the electrical potential of neurons, making them more – or less – likely to fire. Flow’s headset directs this stimulation at a brain area just behind the forehead called the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in personality, decision-making and regulating emotion. People with depression often have lower activity in the left side of this area, and higher activity on the right. The headset is used to rebalance this activity.
Virtual therapy
Users wear the headset for 30 minutes, 18 times over six weeks. They also have access to virtual therapy using an app, which guides them to eat better, sleep better, do more exercise and meditate. Users can “top up” their treatment twice a week as needed.
Previous research on tDCS and depression has had mixed results. However, two recent trials showed that tDCS had similar effects to antidepressants in reducing symptoms of depression, but with fewer side effects.
Side effects of antidepressants include anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, and nausea, whereas the most common effects of tDCS are temporary redness underneath the electrodes and a mild headache.
Stephen Buckley, at mental health charity Mind, says anything that contributes to effective treatments for mental health problems is welcome. “What works varies from person to person, and can include talking treatments, medication, exercise, self-help and social support.” He adds that the ability to stay in contact with people who use the treatments is important.
Daniel Mansson, clinical psychologist and CEO of Flow, says there are several lines of communication in place for patients to give feedback. Although the device is aimed at those who have a diagnosis of depression, he admits there is no way of enforcing this. But he says that the regulatory bodies who approved it for use took this into account. “It is a very safe technology,” he says. The device is being launched in several clinics around the UK today and is available to buy online.
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