Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Changing the Paradigm for Chronic Severe Depression?

Scott T Aaronson; Charles R Conway

doi:10.1016/j.psc.2018.05.001

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Changing the Paradigm for Chronic Severe Depression?

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2018 Sep;41(3):409-418. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2018.05.001.

Authors

Scott T Aaronson¹, Charles R Conway²

Affiliations

¹ Clinical Research Programs, Sheppard Pratt Health System, 6501 North Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland Medical School, 655 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: saaronson@sheppardpratt.org.
² Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8134, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.

PMID: 30098654
DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2018.05.001

Abstract

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been studied for its effect on treatment-resistant depression. Open-label studies have shown a significant positive effect in an especially treatment-resistant depressive population. Insurance company support for VNS has been limited but may be reviewed given recent positive open-label data. Coming developments in novel external ways to stimulate the vagus nerve may revive interest in this area. This article reviews the clinical development of VNS starting with the first recognition of its potential for treating depression, parses the results of several large clinical trials, and suggests a future path for optimal clinical development and use.

Keywords: Major depression; Neurostimulation; Treatment-resistant major depression; Vagus nerve stimulation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Clinical Trials as Topic*
Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / therapy*
Humans
Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
Vagus Nerve Stimulation / adverse effects
Vagus Nerve Stimulation / instrumentation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation / methods*