The Healthtech Podcast #421 Daniel Månsson from Flow Neuroscience: Is Electric Brain Stimulation as Effective as Antidepressants?
Nov 5, 2025
Daniel Månsson, Chief Clinical Officer and founder of Flow Neuroscience, shares insights into the world of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an innovative therapy for major depressive disorder. He discusses the promising safety profile of tDCS, comparing its efficacy to traditional antidepressants. Månsson also highlights the rigorous trials that validated its effectiveness and the potential of Flow's treatment as a first-line option for mild to moderate depression. Additionally, he explores the future of personalized mental health interventions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Serendipitous Origin Of Flow
- Daniel Månsson discovered tDCS during a student software project and then did his master's thesis on the technology.
- He travelled to international labs and conferences, which convinced him the field was emerging and worth pursuing.
Safety As A Compelling Starting Point
- Daniel emphasises tDCS has strong safety advantages compared with pharmacotherapy side effects.
- He viewed the technology as a practical, lower-risk alternative worth developing despite initial uncertainties about efficacy.
Rigorous Trial Validated Efficacy
- The Nature Medicine pivotal trial convinced Flow's founders of clinical efficacy.
- They funded a rigorous, independent, multicentre trial that showed meaningful remission and response rates.