TITLE:
A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experience and Value of “Flow” Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Device and Behaviour Therapy Training Software Application at Home for Symptoms of Depression
AUTHORS:
Chris Griffiths, Kate Walker, Harmony Jiang, Alexandra Noel-Johnson, Azhar Zafar
KEYWORDS:
Depression, Primary Care, General Practice, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Depression,
Vol.12 No.4,
November
1,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Flow FL-100 is a self-administered transcranial direct current
stimulation (tDCS) device used in combination with a software application
delivered well-being behaviour therapy training, which has evidence of
effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression. In this study, the combined
Flow FL-100 and well-being behaviour therapy training app, an intervention known
as “Flow”, was offered by a participant’s general practitioner (GP) in a United
Kingdom (UK) primary care setting to those who experienced depressive symptoms.
Participants completed six weeks of use of Flow. This study explored
participants’ experiences and views on the feasibility, acceptability,
useability, and value of Flow. Methods: A qualitative approach was
employed, involving in-depth semi-structured interviews. Thematic and content
analyses were applied. Out of a sample of 47 participants using Flow, 18
participants consented to be interviewed. The age range of the participants was
23 - 75 years (M = 52.78, SD = 16.27); 10
(55.6%) were female and 8 (44.4%) male. Results: There was support for
the feasibility, acceptability, useability and value of combined Flow FL-100
and well-being behaviour therapy training. Most participants described a
positive impact on depressive symptoms, sleep, and functioning. Findings
provide support for the approach of delivering together both tDCS and
evidence-backed well-being behaviour therapy training. Conclusion: Flow
has been successfully integrated into a primary care service depression
treatment. It is important to offer patients an evidence-based alternative to
existing depression treatments (anti-depressant medication and talking
therapies). The results support the use of Flow as a treatment option for
people with symptoms of depression.