A recent clinical trial has demonstrated that nerve stimulation therapy significantly improves symptoms for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant depression. Conducted at Washington University School of Medicine, the study involved nearly 500 participants across the U.S., many of whom had not responded to conventional treatments. They received implanted devices that stimulated the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to various body organs.
After one year, participants with active stimulation reported marked improvements in their depressive symptoms, quality of life, and daily functioning. Despite the primary assessment showing no significant difference between groups, secondary measures indicated substantial benefits for those with activated devices. Many participants had suffered from depression for an extended time and had already tried numerous treatments without success.
The FDA had previously approved vagus nerve stimulation therapy nearly two decades ago, yet it remains largely inaccessible due to costs and lack of insurance coverage. The ongoing RECOVER study aims to provide critical data to determine coverage decisions. As patients continue to be monitored for additional years, researchers seek to identify characteristics linked to optimal responses, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of this therapy for those severely affected by depression.
