US FDA approves home-delivered tDCS for treating depression

Brain Stimul. 2026 Jan-Feb;19(1):103021. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2025.103021. Epub 2025 Dec 30.

Abstract

On Dec 8, 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Flow Neuroscience transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) device for the treatment of "moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD) in the current episode, either as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment, in patients 18 years and older who are not considered treatment refractory to medication." This represents the first FDA premarket approval (PMA) for a home-use non-invasive brain-stimulation device specifically indicated for depression treatment. This is a major regulatory milestone in non-pharmacological treatment of depression, and paves the way for additional uses and new technologies of home-based neuromodulation.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Device Approval*
  • Humans
  • Major Depressive Disorder* / therapy
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation* / instrumentation
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation* / methods
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration