A New Way to Treat Depression: Electric Stimulation at Home

The FDA has given the green light to a new device that uses gentle electric currents to help people with depression. This device, made by a company called Flow Neuroscience, can be used at home. It's a big deal because it could make treatment more accessible to many people who struggle with depression. The device works by sending small electric currents to parts of the brain that control mood and stress. This type of treatment is not new, but it's usually done in clinics. Flow's device is one of the first to be approved for home use. The company hopes to make it available in the U. S. by mid-2026 for around $500. Flow's device can be used alone or with other medications. The company is already talking to insurance providers, hoping to get coverage by the end of next year. The method used by Flow, called transcranial direct current stimulation, has been studied for years. Some studies show clear benefits, while others show mixed results. A recent study with 174 participants helped get FDA approval. In this study, adults used the device for 30 minutes at a time over 10 weeks. The results showed that people using the device had greater relief from depression symptoms compared to those using a sham version. About 58% of people using the device reached remission. Side effects were mild, like skin redness and itching, with no serious safety concerns. Dr. Daniel Blumberger, a senior scientist at a major mental health hospital, reacted positively to the FDA approval. He noted that Flow's data is stronger than that seen with some other home stimulation devices. He believes this could open up a new era of treatment for depression. The FDA acknowledged that the research has limitations. For example, experts don't always agree on what counts as a meaningful improvement in depression symptoms. However, the agency said the device showed enough benefit to outweigh possible risks. Flow's headset is cleared for adults 18 and older who do not have treatment-resistant depression. The rechargeable device is expected to last about three years and can be paired with a smartphone app for treatment sessions. Flow has already sold 55, 000 devices in Europe and has recently launched in Australia.