title: Vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: acute and follow-up results of an italian case series.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. bernardo.dellosso@policlinico.mi.it
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dell'Osso
authors.forename: Lucio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Oldani
authors.forename: M Carlotta
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Palazzo
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Balossi
authors.forename: Mariateresa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ciabatti
authors.forename: A Carlo
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Altamura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D061218:Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055536:Vagus Nerve Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents