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Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression

Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression

Published on: January 7, 2019

Neuromodulation therapies for geriatric depression.

Verònica Gálvez¹, Kerrie-Anne Ho, Angelo Alonzo

¹School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Hospital Road, 2031, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Current Psychiatry Reports

|May 22, 2015

Summary

Brain stimulation techniques offer effective geriatric depression treatment with fewer side effects than medications. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a leading option, with newer forms like right unilateral ultrabrief ECT (RUL-UB ECT) showing promise.

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Area of Science:

Geriatric Psychiatry
Neuroscience
Neuromodulation

Background:

Geriatric depression has a poorer prognosis and limited pharmacological treatment options due to age-related factors.
Brain stimulation offers a potential alternative to reduce side effects and improve adherence in older patients.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the efficacy and tolerability of brain stimulation techniques for geriatric depression.
To compare established and emerging neuromodulatory interventions for older adults with depression.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and other brain stimulation techniques in geriatric depression.
Analysis of preliminary data on novel ECT variations and experimental therapies.

Main Results:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly effective for severe geriatric depression, with older age predicting faster response.
Right unilateral ultrabrief ECT (RUL-UB ECT) shows comparable efficacy to brief-pulse ECT with fewer cognitive side effects.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is safe, but may require higher intensity and more sessions in the elderly.

Conclusions:

Brain stimulation techniques, particularly ECT, are valuable for treating geriatric depression, offering advantages over traditional pharmacotherapy.
Novel ECT forms and rTMS are promising, though further research is needed for experimental methods like vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation in older adults.