Vagus nerve stimulation can be used to treat depression
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 75/100
Multiple clinical trials, reviews, and regulatory approvals support the use of vagus nerve stimulation as an effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression.
Evidence for · 7
Impact of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Suicidal Ideation in Markedly Treatment-Resistant Major Depression: A RECOVER Study Report.
2026 · cited by 0
A large clinical trial (RECOVER study) found that active vagus nerve stimulation reduced suicidal ideation and improved outcomes in treatment-resistant depression compared to sham.
See more details
More for · 6
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Neuromodulation: Evolution from Bench to Bedside.
2026 · cited by 0
Reviews and clinical histories note that vagus nerve stimulation has received regulatory approval and is established as a standard treatment for resistant depression.
Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: An Updated Narrative Review of Current and Emerging Treatments.
2026 · cited by 0
Current clinical updates list vagus nerve stimulation as an established neuromodulatory approach for managing treatment-resistant depression.
Case Report: Right-sided vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant affective disorders with complex cardiac comorbidity.
2026 · cited by 0
Case series data demonstrate that right-sided vagus nerve stimulation successfully sustains long-term mood stabilization and treats affective disorders.
Anesthetic Management of Patients for Vagal Nerve Stimulator Placement: A Narrative Review.
2026 · cited by 0
Clinical reviews emphasize that vagus nerve stimulation is an established neuromodulation therapy used for drug-resistant epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression.
Emerging pharmacological and neuromodulation interventions for suicidal ideation and behaviour.
2026 · cited by 0
Observational datasets and reviews associate vagus nerve stimulation with longer-term support and symptom reduction in severe psychiatric presentations.
A Possible Role for the Vagus Nerve in Physical and Mental Health.
2026 · cited by 0
Literature highlights that vagus nerve stimulation has long been applied to treat resistant depression through neuromodulation.