Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Using Flow can be experienced differently by different people. A number of factors will affect how you experience Flow, for example, sleep quality and skin sensitivity and therefore sensations may vary between sessions. It usually feels a little more intense during the first 3 minutes of a stimulation session.
Some people have reported not feeling anything underneath the electrodes while others have reported feeling an itchy, slightly tingling sensation; like a stinging or a mild burning sensation on the forehead.
Hear directly from our users on how they experience Flow.
83% of Flow users experience a significant improvement in their depression within 3 weeks of using the Flow headset. The time it takes to notice a change differs from person to person and ranges from 1-2 days to 4-6+ weeks.
It is important to note that the best results have been seen by following the recommended treatment protocol. Sporadic use of the headset has not been tested or proven effective.
If this is your first time using the headset, it's recommended to complete at least 15 sessions according to the treatment protocol (5 times per week for 3 weeks) before deciding if this treatment is right for you.
Usually at around 15 tDCS sessions, users begin to notice significant positive changes in their depressive symptoms. However, please note everyone is different and some may begin to feel changes earlier and the majority of users continue to feel larger reductions post-15 sessions. These changes have been observed in various tDCS studies (studies can be found here for your convenience).
The best results have been seen by following the recommended treatment protocol which is divided into two phases; Activation and Strengthening. The goal of the full treatment is to stimulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to both activate and strengthen the known neural networks involved in regulating depression.
To see expected and similar results as other users it is important to follow the protocol assigned to you. Adjusting the treatment protocol for individual needs is possible by working with your doctor.
This differs from person to person.
A stimulation session takes 30 minutes and can be done whenever works best for you. Whether that be while you eat breakfast to start your day, while replying to emails at work, or even reading while winding down for bed. Flow is a wireless headset that can go wherever you go. Just remember to charge it before use.
Please note Flow should not be used while operating heavy machinery, exercising, or near water.
Some users have reported feeling energized after stimulation and for them, it would be recommended to use Flow earlier in the day. Some users have reported feeling sleepy after stimulation and for them, it would be ideal to use Flow before going to bed.
Most users do not feel sleepy or energized after a stimulation so it does not matter when the stimulation takes place during the day.
We recommend following the behavioural therapy courses in the app to further support the creation and maintenance of healthy habits that have been proven to help reduce depression.
Some of our users also enjoy completing puzzles, Sudoku, listening to music or watching TV while stimulating with Flow.
It is important to note that the Flow headset should not be used while operating heavy machinery, near water, or while performing intense exercise. The headset requires continuous contact to the forehead.
The Flow tDCS headset is controlled via the corresponding app. You must have the app to use the headset. You will need a device running Apple iOS 12 or later, or an Android device with version 6.0 (Marshmallow) or later to use the headset and run the app.
No. The app controls the headset via Bluetooth connection and therefore is required for the use of Flow.
However, when the stimulation has started, you can spend the time as you wish. We recommend following the behavioural therapy courses in the app to further support the creation and maintenance of healthy habits that have been proven to help reduce depression. Some of our users also enjoy completing puzzles, Soduko, listening to music or watching tv while stimulating with Flow.
The Flow treatment schedule is based on years of tDCS research and what has been proven to be both safe and effective. Each round of treatment includes an Activation and Strengthening phase. The Activation phase is 3 weeks long and includes 5 tDCS sessions per week. The Strengthening phase can be as long as you like with a minimum of 6 weeks of 0-2 tDCS sessions per week.
To reset your treatment schedule, you must first have completed the Activation phase of the treatment and 6 weeks of Strengthening (a total of 9 weeks). Resetting your schedule will unlock the activation phase again (5x per week for 3 weeks).
Resetting the schedule is something you can do in a few clicks through the app:
In the upper left corner, you will see a menu (three stacked lines). Click there and then go to the section titled “Stimulation”.
You will then see two tabs titled Schedule and Guide. Please click on “Guide”.
Here you should be able to select the button “Reset Schedule”. Click here and your schedule will be reset.
If this button is not available yet, it is because you are not yet within the timeframe allowance.
If you would like a more personalized treatment schedule, we recommend speaking with your doctor as they can make individual treatment recommendations. This is because they can assess individual cases and are privy to your full depression treatment/medical history. Your doctor can contact us for setting up an access to a treatment portal, so that he can accompany and control your individual treatment.
No. You should not use Flow while operating vehicles. For more information, refer to our user manual.
We do not recommend using Flow if you have a fever.
The Flow headset delivers anodal stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Anodal stimulation is usually used to excite neuronal activity while cathodal stimulation inhibits or reduces neuronal activity.
No. We recommend that you sit comfortably in a chair or sofa during stimulation sessions. You can move around, but try to avoid any physical exercise.
Flow is a certified medical device and does not require a prescription.
The CSS supplementary insurance is the first in Switzerland to allow partial reimbursement for the purchase of the Flow headset. To qualify for a contribution towards the purchase of the Flow headset for CSS-insured individuals with supplementary insurance, the following conditions apply: a medical certificate is required, confirming that the Flow headset from Flow Neuroscience is used for the treatment of depression. The amount of reimbursement varies depending on the insurance model. We recommend contacting your CSS insurance partner directly to find out which services are covered in your insurance.
However, the treatment is only approved and should only be used by people over 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with depression (Major Depressive Disorder). It’s important to contact a healthcare professional and receive a diagnosis before using Flow. We recommend always consulting with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment.
Flow is designed to treat mild to moderate depressive symptoms and has been approved for use for people over 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with depression (Major Depressive Disorder).
This approval is based on multiple research studies that confirm the safety and efficacy of using the tDCS technology used in Flow for treating depression in this group of people. It has been found that the Flow device poses minimal risk of injury. It’s important to contact a healthcare professional and receive a diagnosis before using Flow.
While the Flow device does not require a prescription, it is recommended to consider multiple treatment options and consult your healthcare professional before undergoing any changes to your treatment. Read more about Safety & Precautions.
Yes. The Flow device was designed by experts and is based on tDCS techniques that have been used in clinics for over a decade to treat depression. The Flow device has undergone research that confirms it is a safe and effective treatment for depression.
Please refer to Safety & Precautions for more details.
In rare cases, users may experience skin irritation or contact eczema during Flow tDCS treatment. The pads are made of cellulose and soaked in a saline solution. However, some individuals may be sensitive to the electrolysis process involved in stimulation.
Our skincare recommendations:
Never reuse pads – always use a new set.
Avoid stimulation on irritated or damaged skin.
Gently clean your forehead before use with a mild, alcohol-free soap.
Apply moisturiser twice daily, including after treatment.
If needed, pause treatment for a few days – this will not affect long-term results.
If irritation persists, we recommend discontinuing use temporarily and consulting a doctor if necessary.
The CE class-IIA medical device certification (ISO-13485 Medical Device Quality Management by BSI) confirms that the Flow device is approved for medical use and compliant with the strict European laws for medical devices.
The CE certification ensures that:
Flow is based on scientific evidence
the treatment reduces depressive symptoms
the headset is safe to use
As part of the certification process, third-party experts on brain stimulation have reviewed the scientific evidence proving that the technology used in the Flow headset is both safe and effective. The approval process took two years and was carried out under the Medical Device Directive approved and regularly audited by the BSI.
Read more about the Science.
Not without talking to your doctor. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your current medication.
Flow can be used in combination with antidepressants as well as a standalone treatment. Some users have had success reducing their medication dosage with the support of their doctor while using Flow. Others chose to continue to use medication in combination with Flow. This decision should come from you and your doctor.
Yes. We recommend consulting with your doctor before making any changes to your depression treatment as well as consider the effects of other medications.
Treating depression is about finding what methods work best for you. We encourage you to try Flow as an option for treating depression.
Many users have used Flow in combination with their antidepressant medication and some studies have shown that SSRIs help to amplify the positive effects of tDCS while benzodiazepines are considered to potentially decrease the effect of tDCS.
No, but make sure to consult a physician before making any changes to your current medication and to ensure that your current medication works with tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation).
Yes, Flow can be used during sessions or as a complement to your current psychotherapy treatment.
Treating depression is about finding what methods work best for you. We encourage you to try Flow as an option for treating depression.
No. Flow is not a diagnostic tool. It’s important to contact a healthcare professional and receive a diagnosis before using Flow.
You should not use Flow unless you are suffering from depression. Flow is a medical device designed to treat depression (Major Depressive Disorder).
Research is currently underway regarding tDCS (the technology used in the Flow headset) and bipolar disorder. At present, Flow should not be used to treat bipolar disorder.
In the future, we hope to have more solutions for different primary mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and PTSD.
Research is currently underway regarding tDCS (the technology used in the Flow headset) and anxiety disorders. At present, Flow should not be used to treat anxiety as a stand-alone diagnosis. We recommend speaking with your doctor to see what treatment options are available to you.
In the future, we hope to have more solutions for different primary mental health diagnoses such as bipolar, anxiety and PTSD.
Users who suffer from tinnitus have reported rare cases of intensified symptoms such as noise or ringing in the ears.
If your symptoms worsen or if you get symptoms, make sure to discontinue the treatment and consult your physician.
Read more about safety and Flow here https://flowneuroscience.ch/safety-precautions/.
Heart disease may call for extra precaution. Please refer to Safety & Precautions and consult your physician before starting treatment with Flow.
Flow is designed to treat depression (Major Depressive Disorder). At present, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that the treatment reduces stress or exhaustion.
Please speak to your doctor if you are not 18 years of age or older.
Flow is currently only medically approved for those diagnosed with depression aged above 18 years or older.
Yes, it is safe to travel with the Flow headset.
Please note the following:
Flow contains a lithium battery and should therefore be carried in cabin baggage.
It is safe to place Flow through airport security scanners (e.g. X-ray machines).
For transport, we recommend soft padding (e.g. cloth or bubble wrap) and ensuring no pressure is applied to sensitive parts.
The app is free of charge and can be used with or without the headset. However, the app is necessary to use the headset. Please see here for all details regarding the app.
Please try updating your YouTube app on your phone and/or restarting your phone. All videos can also be found on our YouTube channel for your convenience here.
Yes. The app controls the headset via Bluetooth connection and therefore is required for headset use. However, when the stimulation has started, you can spend the time as you wish.
We recommend following the behavioural therapy courses in the app to further support the creation and maintenance of healthy habits that have been proven to help reduce depression. Some of our users also enjoy completing puzzles, Suduko, listening to music or watching TV while stimulating with Flow.
No! However, we do recommend following the courses as they are designed to help further reduce depression by addressing behavioral and environmental components to depression.
In general, Flow works with a dual approach. The headset stimulates the brain to both activate and strengthen neural networks known to be less active when depressed. The behavioural therapy app supports the creation and incorporation of healthy habits that further support reductions in depression.
The behavioural therapy app courses are designed to provide users with the fundamentals in antidepressant habits. The different courses support users with strategies to cope with depression across a range of topics such as how to sleep, eat, and exercise to help reduce depression. Courses provide information on why these strategies work and how users can begin to implement or strengthen them in their daily routines.
The questionnaire we use is called MADRS-s. Flow Neuroscience did not create the MADRS-s questionnaire. This questionnaire is widely accepted and used globally by psychiatrists as one of many tools to help diagnose depression and is most commonly used in Sweden where Flow Neuroscience came to life.
Please note that the questionnaire alone is not a diagnosis tool. It is often used to both determine the severity and track changes in severity of a person’s depression.
Our goal at Flow Neuroscience is to support those suffering from depression to feel better. By using the MADRS-s our users can better understand if they are seeing improvements in their depressive symptoms week over week. By monitoring improvements, a user can better understand if this is the right treatment for them.
Find out what your current MADRS-s score is here.
There might be a couple of reasons why your headset is not connecting to your app. Our team has come up with a checklist to support you:
-Please ensure your headset has been charged for at least 1 hour prior to stimulation.
-The Flow headset should not be paired through Bluetooth settings on your phone. Instead, it should automatically connect the first time you start a stimulation session within the app. There are step-by-step instructions in the app that will guide you through the connection process.
-Location services need to be enabled on your device, and the Flow app must have location permissions enabled. These settings can be found in the system settings of the app. This is needed to scan for the headset.
-Try restarting your phone and trying again, before contacting support.
If you have already tried the above and still have problems, please reach out to our support team at support@flowneuroscience.com and describe what steps you have taken and what happens. We will be happy to help and ensure everything works smoothly.
There might be several reasons why your headset isn’t working. Our team has come up with a checklist to support you:
-Make sure your headset is fully charged, this can take up to 24 hours.
-Make sure your Bluetooth connection is working correctly on the device you have paired with Flow.
-Pads must be firmly attached to ensure effective conduction. You can ensure this by wiping your forehead clean and patting it dry.
-Pads must be positioned correctly, please follow the instructions in the user manual. If you are unsure, you can reach out to us and we will support you.
-Double check the moisture of the pads being used. We do not recommend getting the entire device wet but pads must be damp enough for the current to be absorbed by the skin.
If you have already tried the above and still have issues, please reach out to our support team at support@flowneuroscience.com and describe what steps you have taken and what the issue is. We will be happy to help and ensure everything works smoothly.
All orders are shipped via PostPac Economy by default.
Shipping costs are as follows:
Orders over CHF 100.–
-PostPac Economy: Free (Delivery in 2-3 business days)
-PostPac Priority: CHF 2.– (Delivery on the next business day)
-Swiss-Express Mond: CHF 9.– (Delivery by 9 a.m., including on Saturdays)
Orders under CHF 100.–
-PostPac Economy: CHF 12.– (Delivery in 2-3 business days)
-PostPac Priority: CHF 14.– (Delivery on the next business day)
-Swiss-Express Mond: CHF 21.– (Delivery by 9 a.m., including on Saturdays)
If you wish to return Flow, it must be sent back to us by post within 14 days after the 30-day trial period has ended (the date of delivery on the delivery note is decisive).
Flow is unfortunately currently not reimbursed by most health insurance providers.
The CSS supplementary insurance is the first in Switzerland to allow partial reimbursement for the purchase of the Flow headset. To qualify for a contribution towards the purchase of the Flow headset for CSS-insured individuals with supplementary insurance, the following conditions apply: a medical certificate is required, confirming that the Flow headset from Flow Neuroscience is used for the treatment of depression. The amount of reimbursement varies depending on the insurance model. We recommend contacting your CSS insurance partner directly to find out which services are covered in your insurance.
The regular retail price of Flow is CHF 550.– (including VAT and shipping).
For CHF 98.– (including VAT and shipping), you can try Flow for 30 days. More details can be found on the Shop page.
The Flow app is free and can be downloaded anytime from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
The estimated delivery time is 2-3 business days. All orders are shipped by default via PostPac Economy. Upon request, we can ship your order for an additional fee via PostPac Priority or Swiss-Express Mond.
For CHF 98.– (incl. VAT and shipping), you can test Flow for 30 days. This test fee is due at the time of ordering.
After the 30-day trial period, you have the following options:
Keep Flow: At the end of the trial period, you will receive a payment link or an invoice for the remaining amount of CHF 452.–.
Return Flow: Return Flow within 5 working days after the end of the trial period, at your own expense. No further costs will apply.
Yes, Flow ensures that the device is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for the below period depending on product selection:
Purchased headset - 24 months from the date of purchase.
This is based on the condition that the device has been used in accordance with the user manual, has been supplied directly by Flow Neuroscience and is in use in applicable countries.
To see the full conditions of our warranty please see here: https://www.flowneuroscience.ch/return-request-policy-warranty/
Thank you for reaching out to our support team.
We strive to respond to all requests within 2 business days. We greatly appreciate your patience as we want to ensure everyone is given individual attention and personalized responses.
If you have not received a response from us, please double-check our reply has not been sent to your spam inbox. If it has, please unmark the email as spam (there usually is a button at the top of an email that allows it to be marked as “spam” or “Not spam”). By marking our responses as Not spam future replies will be sent directly to your inbox.
If you have requested to delete your account, this may take a few days to process in our system.
You can test the Flow Headset for 30 days at CHF 98.–.
After the trial period, you can return the Flow Headset at your own expense within 5 business days.
Return address:
Flow Neuroscience
c/o Neurolite AG
Hühnerhubelstrasse 79
3123 Belp
Important: The trial period end date is the delivery date stated on the delivery note.
Depression treated. Differently.
Help – Contact us!