A new wearable device for treating depression is now available by prescription in the U.S. Developed by Swedish company Flow Neuroscience, this headset offers an alternative to traditional antidepressants, which are used by about one in six American adults. The device, worn on the forehead for 30 minutes daily, uses low-intensity electrical stimulation to target the left frontal lobe of the brain, an area linked to mood regulation. Approved by the FDA, it aims to provide a more convenient and potentially cost-effective treatment compared to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which requires frequent clinic visits and can be expensive. In a trial, 45% of users experienced symptom remission, suggesting it could be used alongside medication. This innovation is part of a growing trend in brain-stimulating wearables, offering new hope for those with depression.
QUESTION: How might the availability of at-home treatments like Flow’s device change the way people approach mental health care?
A New Headset to Help With Depression Is Now Available in the US
