Vagus Nerve Stimulator

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a psychiatric treatment sometimes used for very severe epilepsy. It is undergoing investigation in Australia as a possible treatment method for long-term, severe or very treatment-resistant depression. Only a small number of studies have taken place so far and patient response has generally been fairly good, however, the treatment is highly invasive, involving surgery and the implantation of a ‘pacemaker’ type device and wiring inside the body.

Current research is too new and limited for the technique to be adopted in Australia. It has recently been approved for use in the USA for a very small percentage of people who do not respond to antidepressants, psychotherapy, and ECT.

References:

Black Dog Institute

News Release 
Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Centre
Nov 2005

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A New Tool for Brain Research and Therapy
Mark S. George and others 
2000