Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

VNS is also FDA approved for individuals with treatment resistant depression. VNS involves the surgical implantation of a small device (a “pulse generator”) into the chest wall with wires from the device that are attached to a nerve in the neck—the Vagus nerve. When activated, the device sends a current to the brain and this current activates areas of the brain which are thought to be related to depression. VNS is FDA approved for individuals with major depression and for bipolar depression. However, it is not likely to be covered by insurance for depressed patients. Dr. Dunner was involved with research studies of VNS while at the University of Washington and later at the Center for Anxiety and Depression. The response rate (after one year) for patients implanted with a VNS stimulator is that about 1/3 of patients show no improvement, about 1/3 show some improvement, and about 1/3 show marked improvement.

Recover Study

One out of every three patients who have tried several antidepressant treatments still have symptoms of depression. The RECOVER study is a new research study for people with difficult-to-treat depression

VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation) Therapy® is a well-studied treatment that is already approved by the FDA for people with treatment-resistant depression. Despite this, Medicare and other insurers do not routinely cover it.

The RECOVER study was designed in partnership with many of the nation’s top experts in treatment resistant depression, and approved by Medicare, to provide additional evidence of the benefit of VNS Therapy. If the results confirm previous studies, Medicare and other insurers may start to cover it.

Right now, The Center for Anxiety and Depression is actively participating in the RECOVER study. People who participate in RECOVER receive VNS Therapy and all study-related care at no cost to them.