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New Headset for Depression Treatment Now Available in US
Developing
In Short: An at-home wearable for depression treatment is now available by prescription in the US, though its high price may limit its adoption.
An at-home wearable device for the treatment of depression is now available by prescription in the United States, marking a potential shift in how patients manage the condition from the comfort of their homes.
According to reports, the Flow device, which targets the same part of the brain as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), an approved treatment for depression, is now accessible to patients. Unlike TMS, which requires patients to visit a clinic for treatment sessions, the Flow device can be used at home, potentially offering a more convenient option.
However, the device comes with a significant price tag, currently in the four-figure range. This high cost may make it challenging for many patients to adopt the technology, especially given that a full course of TMS treatment can cost up to $15,000 without insurance, a figure that could be even higher with the Flow device.
People with depression often exhibit lower activity and weaker neural connections in specific parts of the brain. The Flow device aims to address this by targeting the same area as TMS, using a different method to activate neurons. While TMS involves magnetic fields, the Flow device likely employs a different mechanism, such as electrical stimulation, to achieve similar results.
Despite the potential benefits, the high cost and compatibility issues may slow down the widespread adoption of the Flow device. However, for those who can afford it and have access to the necessary hardware, it could offer a more convenient and potentially more accessible treatment option for depression.
What's still developing
- The update requires a Mac with an Apple silicon chip, and it is not available on Intel Macs.
- But at the current four-figure price tag, it might take a while for the futuristic-looking headset to catch on with patients.
- With TMS, patients have to go to a clinic, and a full dosing series typically requires treatment sessions administered five days a week over several weeks.
Sources
- WIREDlink