1. Vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: acute and follow-up results of an italian case series.
- Author
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Dell'Osso B, Oldani L, Palazzo MC, Balossi I, Ciabatti M, and Altamura AC
- Subjects
- Adult, Age of Onset, Aged, Antidepressive Agents therapeutic use, Bipolar Disorder psychology, Bipolar Disorder therapy, Depressive Disorder psychology, Depressive Disorder, Major psychology, Depressive Disorder, Major therapy, Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant, Electrodes, Implanted, Female, Hospitalization, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Suicide, Attempted, Treatment Outcome, Vagus Nerve Stimulation adverse effects, Depressive Disorder therapy, Vagus Nerve Stimulation methods
- Abstract
The present study evaluated short- and long-term efficacy and tolerability of augmentative vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in a group of patients with treatment-resistant depression (N = 6). A statistically significant improvement in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS21) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale after 3 months (P = 0.039 and P = 0.05, respectively) was found in comparison with baseline (VNS implant). After 12 months, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS21), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression (P = 0.01, P = 0.005, and P = 0.001, respectively). Patients showed an overall favorable tolerability. Present data support VNS short- and long-term efficacy and tolerability in a small group of patients with treatment-resistant depression. Further controlled investigation is necessary to confirm the present open findings.
- Published
- 2013
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