ARTICLE
Use of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in the treatment of drug-resistant depression – a pilot study, presentation of five clinical cases
1
Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii w Warszawie, II Klinika Psychiatryczna, Oddział Chorób Afektywnych
2
Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii w Warszawie, Zakład Farmakologii
Submission date: 2019-08-14
Final revision date: 2019-12-08
Acceptance date: 2019-12-10
Online publication date: 2021-06-30
Publication date: 2021-06-30
Corresponding author
Anna Antosik-Wójcińska
Oddział Chorób Afektywnych II Klinika Psychiatryczna Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii
Oddział Chorób Afektywnych II Klinika Psychiatryczna Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii
Psychiatr Pol 2021;55(3):555–564
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to assess safety and efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as the method added to standard pharmacotherapy in the group of patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Material and Methods:
We present results of pilot study involving the use of commercially available transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulators. With external, non-invasive nature of new solution, the patient is avoiding possible side effects of surgical operation. taVNS is a relatively new, noninvasive VNS method based on the location of afferent vagus nerve distribution on the surface of the ear. The pilot study group consisted of 5 patients with treatment-resistant depression. All patients suffered from severe depression with no response to appropriate courses of at least two different antidepressants. The assumed observation time was 12 weeks. The duration of stimulation was 4 hours/day, divided in 2 sessions. Mental state was assessed by clinician with the use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI).
Results:
In 2 cases substantial improvement of mental state was observed (significant improvement in scoring scales, improvement of mood and drive, decrease of anxiety). 3 patients resigned from the study because of difficulties in handling devices.
Conclusions:
In 2 cases substantial improvement of mental state was observed (significant improvement in scoring scales, improvement of mood and drive, decrease of anxiety). 3 patients resigned from the study because of difficulties in handling devices.
The aim of the study was to assess safety and efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as the method added to standard pharmacotherapy in the group of patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Material and Methods:
We present results of pilot study involving the use of commercially available transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulators. With external, non-invasive nature of new solution, the patient is avoiding possible side effects of surgical operation. taVNS is a relatively new, noninvasive VNS method based on the location of afferent vagus nerve distribution on the surface of the ear. The pilot study group consisted of 5 patients with treatment-resistant depression. All patients suffered from severe depression with no response to appropriate courses of at least two different antidepressants. The assumed observation time was 12 weeks. The duration of stimulation was 4 hours/day, divided in 2 sessions. Mental state was assessed by clinician with the use of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI).
Results:
In 2 cases substantial improvement of mental state was observed (significant improvement in scoring scales, improvement of mood and drive, decrease of anxiety). 3 patients resigned from the study because of difficulties in handling devices.
Conclusions:
In 2 cases substantial improvement of mental state was observed (significant improvement in scoring scales, improvement of mood and drive, decrease of anxiety). 3 patients resigned from the study because of difficulties in handling devices.
Project no. RCN/SN/0610/2021/1 implemented from 2022 to 2024
Total value of the project: PLN 490 000
Amount funded by the MEiN: PLN 100 000
Aims of the project: Publication in Open Access mode on the Internet of English and Polish language versions of 12 consecutive issues of the journal Psychiatria Polska (years 2022-2024). Modernization and redesign of the journal’s website. Financing of the Editorial System. Copy editing and proofreading of journal issues. Counteracting scientific misinformation. Submission of electronic versions of the journal to the National Digital Library Polona and the Digital Library of Scientific Publications Academica.
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