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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
04:29
Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Published on: January 7, 2019
Vagus nerve stimulation in depression
P J Goodnick1, A J Rush, M S George
1University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA. pgoodnick@aol.com
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|October 5, 2001
Summary
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) shows promise for treating resistant depression, with positive outcomes and no cognitive impairment. This biological therapy is approved in Europe and Canada, with US trials ongoing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Biological treatments for psychiatric disorders have evolved significantly since the mid-20th century.
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was initially approved for drug-resistant epilepsy.
- VNS demonstrated potential for mood disorders due to its neuroanatomical pathways and effects on neurotransmitters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy and safety of VNS for treatment-resistant depression.
- To evaluate both acute and longer-term outcomes in patients with mood disorders receiving VNS.
Main Methods:
- Acutely administered VNS for 10 weeks in 60 patients with treatment-resistant depression.
- Longer-term follow-up data analyzed for 30 patients.
- Comparison of outcomes with epilepsy treatment and long-term medication trials.
Main Results:
- Acute VNS study showed response rates of at least 30%.
- Longer-term data indicated promising symptomatic and functional outcomes.
- VNS was not associated with cognitive impairment, unlike electroconvulsive therapy.
Conclusions:
- VNS is a viable treatment option for resistant depression (unipolar or bipolar).
- VNS has received regulatory approval in Europe and Canada.
- Ongoing US studies aim to further validate VNS efficacy in depression treatment.
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