Vagus nerve stimulation for severe depression

Jeffrey Rado, Philip G. Janicak*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Treatment-resistant depression is a serious problem with significant costs in terms of health care dollars and patients' wellbeing. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is one novel, device-based therapy that may be effective in this population. In this article, we review the evidence to date on the use of VNS in major depression and describe the process of VNS treatment initiation, device implantation, and dosage adjustment and monitoring. It is important for psychiatric nurses to understand the evidence base for and how VNS is used in treatment so they may enhance care of patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)43-51
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Volume45
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Phychiatric Mental Health

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