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

---

Depression in Teenagers: Now What Can We Do?

No doubt you have seen the recent news headlines about... Read More

Eliminate The Belief That Your Illness Is Genetic

Many illnesses, emotional and otherwise, are often said to be... Read More

Stress and Depression are Killing Us!

A short generation ago, families could set their watch by... Read More

What Is God Thinking?

What can you say to a parent who loses a... Read More

5 Super Effective Tips To Kill Depression

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

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Depression - A Natural Treatment

A new research study has again shown that a diet... Read More

Omega 3 EPA: Natures Very Own Anti-depressant

Since Dr Malcolm Peet, a consultant psychiatrist at Sheffield swallow... Read More

Depression: Escape Your Mental Prison

There is an illness all around me in modern society... Read More

Depression: Bringing Yourself Down

Sometimes it's hard to see the forest from the trees.... 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

Everyday I have the Blues: A Medical Intuitive look at Depression

It may come in waves, it may control our lives.... Read More

Anxiety and Depression - Why Depression Drugs May Not Be Necessary - Fight Depression Naturally

Millions of people, especially in the United States, are currently... Read More

Depression is a Choice

There is one very simple reason for all emotional depression.In... Read More

A Look at the Different Depression and Anxiety Medications

While it may be easy to recite the various brand... Read More

5 Super Effective Tips To Kill Depression

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

Natural Remedies For Depression

It is true that forms of depression cannot be avoided,... Read More

Tips to Beat Depression

We all have days when we are down, worn out... Read More

7 Things You Can Do Immediately To Ease Depression

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

Quick Steps To Improve Your Mood

Looking to improve your mood?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author... Read More

When Your Mind Develops A Mind Of Its Own

We've all been there? One minute your listening intently as... Read More

Fighting Depression by Restoring Your Routines

When we have depression, one of the things we drop... Read More

Senate Finance Committee Delays FDA Approval of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Depression

On June 15th, 2004, FDA's Medical Devices Panel recommended that... Read More

Suffocate

I felt cold, my body was stiff and my back... Read More

How To Help A Stressed Or Depressed Loved One

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

Being A Victim Is Always A Choice

Do you blame your past, your family, your partner, your... Read More

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: What are the Benefits and How Does It Relieve Depression?

Vagus nerve stimulation is more effective than antidepressants and is... Read More

Depression

The 'experts' have tried to evaluate me as a sufferer... Read More

So You?ve Been Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder?

If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also known as... Read More

FDA Approves Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Depression

On July 15th, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA)... Read More

Recognizing Depression?s Warning Signs

Depression is a serious illness, not a harmless part of... Read More

What?s Causing My Depression and Fatigue?

Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Depression are absolutely systemic in our... Read More

Major Symposium About Vagus Nerve Stimulation & Depression at the American Psychiatric Association

A major symposium about vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment... Read More

Depression Series: Why Don?t I Respond to Medications? (Part 1)

Maria has been feeling depressed for at least two and... Read More