Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating severe depression with a simple yet effective therapy. A clinical trial involving 493 adults with major depression, who had not responded to previous treatments, showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and daily functioning.
The treatment involved stimulating one of the two main nerves that carry messages from the brain to several organs. Half of the participants received this stimulation, which sent signals to areas of the brain that regulate mood. The results were impressive: after 10 months, those who received the stimulation treatment showed marked improvements in their depressive symptoms and daily lives.
Despite previous doubts about the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), the study’s findings are promising. The researchers found statistically significant improvements in depression symptoms, quality of life, and functional outcomes. However, it’s essential to note that not all participants achieved full remission, and some caveats need to be considered.
The good news is that patients themselves reported meaningful improvements in their lives, which suggests that VNS can help people escape the mental paralysis associated with major depression. The findings are particularly welcome given that up to 30% of those with severe depression fail to benefit from standard antidepressants.
Further research is planned, including exploring the therapy’s effectiveness for people with bipolar disorder and examining its benefits in specific groups. The researchers are optimistic about VNS due to its ability to produce lasting effects when patients respond well to it.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/vagus-nerve-stimulation-has-lasting-effects-in-people-with-severe-depression