“Flow” Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for depression treatment in a primary healthcare general practice — depression, functioning, and health-related quality of life outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Flow FL-100 is a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device self-administered by a patient at home in combination with a software application that delivers wellbeing behaviour therapy training. tDCS has evidence of effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression. This post marketing study evaluated the effect of Flow on depression, functioning, and health-related quality of life for primary care general practice patients with depression symptoms. Methods: Open-label patient cohort design with no control group. Thirty-one adult patients completed six weeks of Flow treatment. Average age 45.6 years (SD = 13.72) range from 20-75 years; 24 (77.4%) females and six males (23.6%). Pre- and post-intervention assessment with participant self-report measures: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and European Quality of Life Five Dimension (EQ-5D-5L). Results: PHQ-9 reliable improvement and remission rates were 58.1% and 32.3%. There was a significant improvement in PHQ-9 and WSAS with large effect sizes. EQ-5D-5L results showed significant improvements in three dimensions and the health index score with medium effect sizes. Conclusion: Flow tDCS can be delivered through a primary healthcare general practice service and patients use it as prescribed and complete treatment course. tDCS has evidence as an effective depression treatment, the widespread availability of tDCS in primary care general practice should be considered.