Brain stimulation headset reports sales surge

The developer of a brain stimulation headset designed to treat depression has reported a surge in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s co-founder spoke to Health Tech World about the potential of technology to help “more people than ever before.”

Flow has said that it has experienced a 247% increase in sales of its at-home headset, with 30% of users reporting that they have overcome depression during the pandemic.

Patients manage their depression at home by wearing the Flow headset which activates parts of the brain under-stimulated by the condition. At the same time, users interact with the Flow behavioural therapy app which improves areas known to impact depression, including sleep and nutrition.

Flow is the first at-home depression treatment of its type to be medically approved in the UK and EU.

Co-founder Daniel Mansson said: “The type of brain stimulation used in the Flow headset (tDCS) has been shown in clinical randomised controlled trials, including the New England Journal of Medicine and the British Journal of Psychiatry, to have a similar impact to antidepressants, but with fewer and less-severe side effects.

“It is the combination of the non-invasive brain stimulation to reduce depression and the therapy app to make positive routines in a compact and remote device which sets it apart from similar technologies.”

Mansson also touched on the potential future of the technology.

“We expect to see continued growth in sales as the pandemic has shed light into the necessities of having innovative solutions and accessible treatments for mental health; our user testimonials highlight that our treatment has worked for people who suffer from long-term severe depression which encompasses a range of diverse triggers and symptoms.

“Also, there has been a steady growth in the need for these types of technologies over the years due to the lack of alternative treatment pathways for the healthcare system and a desire for more empowerment from patients.”

He added: “We believe that the use of technology will continue to grow as it provides more resources for both healthcare professionals and patients in mental health.

“Technology allows us to reach patients who do not wish to use antidepressants, do not wish to continue on their current treatment pathway, do not have access or simply do not wish to keep up with regular therapy appointments; essentially helping more people than ever before.”