Paging Dr. Frischer: Home treatment for depression

Rates of depression have surged over this past decade, and it now affects more than 20 million adults in the United States. Treatment often involves counseling, making major life changes, stopping the use of addictive drugs and alcohol, and taking medication under a doctor’s guidance.

Now, the FDA has approved the first home depression treatment, Flow Neuroscience’s FL-100 headset. What is this, and does it actually work?

The goal of this device is to rebalance the brain chemistry by sending low intensity electrical currents through the skull to the prefrontal cortex. The FDA approved it in December of 2025, and it is expected to be available within the next few months for the treatment of moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It will require a prescription, and could serve as an alternative or an additional treatment for depression. Sessions typically last 30 minutes and extend over 12 weeks.

How well does it work? Clinical trials showed significant reduction of symptoms, with 58% of patients achieving remission in a 10-week trial, and improvement showing in as little as three weeks. The treatment is handled entirely by the patient, in the home. Precise placement of the device on the head is critical, as is following the particular frequency and length of time specified. I’ve observed that some of my patients modify even the simplest of treatments; I do wonder whether the steps will be properly followed, and which patients will benefit the most.

Side effects are mild and temporary, and include skin irritation and headache. The expected cost of the device is likely to be between $500 and $800. The manufacturer is currently negotiating for coverage with insurance companies.

While this treatment has been used extensively in Europe, it will be new here. It appears promising, yet more data is certainly needed as to who it can best help, and effective strategies for proper home use. On balance, I am excited to see a new approach to the treatment of depression.

Dr. Alan Frischer is former chief of staff and former chief of medicine at Downey Regional Medical Center. Write to him in care of this newspaper at 10927 Downey Ave., Suite C, Downey, CA 90241.