Evidence
In October 2024, the largest clinical trial into tDCS in the UK and US was published by the authoritative Nature Medicine.
Patients who used Flow for 10-weeks were about twice as likely to see their depression go into remission than those in a control group who performed the same procedure with the current switched off.
The placebo-controlled RCT is considered the gold standard method for evaluating efficacy and was carried out by Kings College London, the University of East London and UTHealth Houston.
Source: Woodham, R.D., Selvaraj, S., Lajmi, N. et al. Nat Med (2024).
Used by the NHS
GPs, Psychiatrists, Postnatal and Crisis teams
Since March 2023, Flow has been offered to NHS patients. You can access a Flow trial on the NHS if you live in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire or West London and meet the qualifying criteria. Each NHS service has independently published a paper on Flow, including the Crisis team who saw a 75% drop in suicidal ideation.
Independent, NHS studies
20+ independent clinical trials on tDCS
Proven to have a definite effect on treating depression
There are now over 20 large, high quality Randomised Controlled Clinical Trials (RCTs) on tDCS (the technology Flow uses). Several meta-analyses of these trials have concluded that there is class A evidence (meaning definite effect) for the ability of tDCS to improve depression.
tDCS clinical research
Feel better in 3 weeks
77% report improvement
We have over 30,000 people using the Flow headset across Europe. Most people report positive results after 3 weeks; 77% see their depression score improve by at least 3 points. No one has reported a ‘serious’ side effect. Minor side effects include skin irritation and headaches.
n=14,383, self reported data
Depression-free by week 10
57% were in remission
In the largest clinical trial into tDCS across the UK and US, people using Flow were about twice as likely to see their depression go into remission than those in a control group who performed the same procedure with the current switched off (using a placebo device). 57% of those using Flow were depression-free after 10 weeks.
Flow clinical trial
Improve
your depression symptoms
A rigorous clinical trial showed significant improvements after 10 weeks of use. In this randomised placebo-controlled study, users experienced measurable benefits across all symptoms.
Source: Woodham, R.D., Selvaraj, S., Lajmi, N. et al. Nat Med (2024).
Mood +37%
Sleep +25%
Focus +25%
Decreased anxiety +31%
Zest for life +32%
Emotional involvement +35%
“This is a potential first line treatment for depression. It can also be used for people whose depression hasn’t improved with antidepressant medication, for people who don’t like antidepressant medication, or who don’t want psychotherapy.”
Cynthia Fu, a professor of affective neuroscience and psychotherapy at King’s College London and senior author on the study.
Hear from Flow users
“Flow has brought me back to myself”
Nicole, 35, Leadership & Inclusion Consultant and Mother, Wife, Sister and Friend, Bedfordshire. Suffered from depression since 2001. This deteriorated when she and her husband lost a son in 2021.
Trigger warning: child bereavement.
“I like who l am now”
Alex, 49, West Sussex. Struggled with depression since she was 10 years old. Single-handedly raised her son.
Trigger warning: self harm, suicidal thoughts.
“Flow’s worked for me”
Ashley, 52, Business owner and Dad of 2, Northampton. Suffered from anxiety and depression since January 2023 which was brought on by work related stress.
“I feel alive, Flow’s done that”
Maggie, 76, Wife, Mum and Nan works in retail, Somerset. Suffered from depression throughout her life.
Trigger warning: suicide.
“Flow is a lifeline”
Selina, 41, Project Manager.
Suffered from depression since the age of 11 which got worse during her teenage years and into university.
FAQs
Yes, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally considered safe when used according to guidelines. Its safety and performance has been evaluated in hundreds of clinical trials and used for over a decade to treat depression in clinics. Because of the non-invasive nature of tDCS, it is generally well-tolerated and has minimal side effects. Read our Safety and Precautions for more details.
If Flow proves effective during the first 10 weeks of your treatment, we recommend continuing for at least another 6 to 12 months, even if you have become symptom-free. This is to prevent relapse. Our team of clinicians has created detailed guidance on how to use Flow long-term, which you can read here: Long Term Use.
77% of Flow users experience clinical improvement within three weeks, and in our clinical trial, 57% were completely free of depression after ten weeks. This means that Flow works for most people, but since everyone’s brain chemistry and response to treatment are unique, some people may not respond to Flow. Most people will know if Flow is working for them by the end of three weeks. If it’s not the right fit, you can return it for a full refund under our 30-day money-back guarantee.
Please visit our Help Centre for answers to other frequently asked questions. Our support team is also here to assist you every step of the way with your Flow treatment. You can contact us at support@flowneuroscience.com.