FDA Approves Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Depression

On July 15th, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approved vagus nerve stimulation "for the adjunctive long-term treatment of chronic or recurrent depression for patients 18 years of age or older..". This approval concludes the formal seven year study of vagus nerve stimulation and depression.

It is impossible to express the magnitude and importance of this decision that is so important to millions of patients and their loved ones. Vagus nerve stimulation has been FDA approved for pharmaco-resistant epilepsy patients since 1997. Patients suffering from the debilitating illness of chronic depression now have access to the same safe and informatively labeled treatment option.

Many of the subscribers to the VagusNerveStimulator.com Bulletin relentlessly made their voices heard and no doubt contributed to this medical breakthrough decision. I thank you on behalf of the many people who have been waiting for this final and binding decision from the FDA. The manufacturer of the stimulator, Cyberonics, Inc., never gave up its effort to make this remarkable therapy available to those desperate patients who had run out of treatment options.

I will do my best to continue to keep you informed from a patient's perspective who was implanted with the VNS Therapy System in the double-blind, placebo-controlled investigational trial. You will need to continue to strictly follow the medical directives from your psychiatrist. A prescription for VNS Therapy will be required.

I hope that approval of this remarkable procedure gives depression sufferers the hope to continue to seek treatment for their illness. I have walked a mile in their shoes. Any bit of hope can be powerful.

You can learn more about vagus nerve stimulation at www.VagusNerveStimulator.com. There is a free newsletter to keep you up-to-date.

Charles Donovan was a patient in the FDA investigational trial of vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic or recurrent treatment-resistant depression. He was implanted with the vagus nerve stimulator in April of 2001. He chronicles his journey from the grips of depression thanks to vagus nerve stimulation therapy in his book:

Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression

He is the founder of the http://www.VagusNerveStimulator.com Web Site

---

Quick Steps To Reduce Your Worries

Looking for a way to reduce the amount of worrying... Read More

Do You Think You Have Depression?

Do you have days where nothing can make you happy?... Read More

New Treatment for Chronic Depression

Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Treatment-Resistant Depression About Vagus Nerve... Read More

I?m Not Depressed; I?ve Just Been Having A Lousy Conversation With Myself

Not long ago, I attended a mastermind group. During the... Read More

What About Drugs for Anxiety and Depression?

As a counselor, I am often asked, "Can drugs be... Read More

Depression is the Number One Cause of Disability in the United States

According to the World Health Organization, 4 of the 10... Read More

Chronic Depression: Disease or Charcter Flaw?

A major survey on depression symptoms from the National Mental... Read More

What?s The Latest on Suicide Risk and Antidepressants For Children?

FDA confirms some antidepressants increase suicide risk in some children.... Read More

Reclaiming Your Life From Anxiety Symptoms

Only somebody who has lived with anxiety ? as either... Read More

Change Your Life Forever with New Medical Breakthrough Treatment for Depression

With the next few weeks, the FDA is expected to... Read More

Natural Treatment for Depression - Is There An Alternative?

Many people who are suffering from mild to moderate depression,... Read More

First Thing You Should Do to Get Out of Depression

Depression, in psychiatry, is a symptom of mood disorder characterized... Read More

Anxiety and Depression Treatment - 5 Tips for Beating Depression

Everyone has days when they are down, worn out and... Read More

Depression: Based on a True Story

"Ring, ring." The crisis operator answers the phone to a... Read More

Biological Psychiatry Confirms of Efficacy and Safety of VNS Therapy for Depression

The September 1, 2005 issue of Biological Psychiatry confirmed the... Read More

Are You Someones Puppet? Four Ways People Manipulate Others

With the current interest in mental health topics, a mental... Read More

Learn To Take Control of Depression

While depression is a growing epidemic in western society, it... Read More

5 Super Effective Tips To Kill Depression

Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives.... Read More

ADHD and Depression -- More Common Than Thought

"Thanks for Noticin' Me" says Eeyore. He walks slowly. He... Read More

Depression: 14 Universal Laws for Recovery

The Law of BlueJust sort of feeling blue, kinda out... Read More

Depression Mantra

Depression is the most prevalent of all the emotional disorders.... Read More

7 Things You Can Do Immediately To Ease Depression

1. Get out now and walk fifteen minutes. It will... Read More

Control Your Own Level of Motivation

When I first mention this to most people, they really... Read More

Recognizing Depression

Depression is a serious issue. There are simply hundreds of... Read More

How to Uncover the Reason You Cant Sleep Tonight

If you are like me ...you love your sleep!Sleep deprivation... Read More

Mood Disorders And Depression

We all suffer with bad moods from time to time.... Read More

Is it ADHD or is it Depression?

During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More

Tuning the Music Therapist

Music so strongly evokes emotional responses that it is being... Read More

How To Help A Stressed Or Depressed Loved One

Having lived with a depressed partner for 3 years and... Read More

American Indian Youth and Depression - Using Traditions To Heal The Wounds

When most people hear the words American Indian, visions of... Read More

Depression: What It Is and What You Can Do About It

There are three basic ways to treat depression: psychotherapy, self-help,... Read More

I Love You, I Hate You But Dont Go: Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

It amazes me that 6-10 million Americans have been diagnosed... Read More

Seven Ways To Deal With Your Depression

It has just been announced, after a study by a... Read More