Northampton man shares experience in new headset trial to battle depression
With a 58% success rate at the trial at Northamptonshire NHS Trust it's due for a wider roll out.
An NHS trial has found a headset that stimulates the brain can help tackle symptoms of depression.
The electric device, Flow, is being recommended as a more widespread treatment after 58% of people saw improvements within six weeks.
One of those who took part in the trial was James Maynard from Northampton. After completing the six week trial he ended up using the headset for 15 weeks, then tapered off use and now feels he no longer needs it.
James had been suffered from depression for 20 years, having had a stressful demanding job in the prison service, suffering the loss of his mother to suicide, but he says he can trace the start of his mental health issues since a violent attack when he was in his late teens:
"Back then when I was 19 depression wasn't really a go to word, you were just upset, bad day a the office."
The headset is worn for 30 minutes a day, and the company behind it say it can be used alongside other therapies.
James even took it on holiday with his family during the trial:
"Some people may not want to be sat there with a headset on but I just pretended I was something out of Star Wars or Star Trek."
Erin Le is CEO of Flow Neuroscience, who make the technology. She's told us it's helpful for people who haven't responded to medication for depression in the past.
"Over 90% of people when offered drugs or Flow chose Flow, so I think it really shows that there's really interest and demand for those for alternative treatments for depression."
It can be particularly effective for people who are unable to take medication to treat depression or who have found medication doesn't work for them.
Erin says it's not just beneficial to patients:
"In addition to patient results we're seeing fewer appointments, which obviously is access and cost savings back to the NHS."
It's hoped the treatment can be rolled out across the UK, with the next trial expected for Leicester.
The headsets are available to buy privately though the cost remains high.