Flow Neuroscience develops a transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) device paired with a behavioral therapy app to treat depression. The system enables users to experience clinical improvement in mood within three weeks, with 77% of users reporting significant benefits.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Existing treatments for depression, such as medication and therapy, do not work for everyone, and access to these treatments can be limited or have undesirable side effects. Many individuals struggle to find effective and convenient ways to manage their depression symptoms.
Solution
Flow Neuroscience offers a non-invasive brain stimulation method called transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) delivered through a headset and paired with a behavioral therapy app to treat depression. The headset delivers gentle electrical impulses to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with mood regulation, aiming to increase activity in this region. The accompanying app provides behavioral therapy courses, offering a comprehensive approach to managing depression. This at-home treatment option provides a convenient and accessible alternative or complement to traditional methods, potentially reducing the need for medication and therapy sessions.
Target Audience
The primary audience includes individuals aged 18 and over experiencing moderate to severe depression who are seeking alternative or complementary treatments to medication and therapy. This includes individuals for whom antidepressants have not been effective or who prefer a non-pharmacological approach.
Features
- Non-invasive brain stimulation using tDCS technology
- App-guided behavioral therapy courses
- Personalized stimulation via a smartphone app with Bluetooth connectivity
- Adjustable electrode pads for targeted forehead placement
- Clinically validated treatment with demonstrated improvements in mood within three weeks for many users
- 30-minute stimulation sessions, recommended five times a week for the first three weeks, then reduced to twice a week
- Safety features ensuring the device is safe for home use