The RECOVER Trial of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Markedly Treatment-Resistant Depression: Critical Findings, Lessons Learned, and Future Directions

What is it about?

This paper summarizes the published outcomes of the RECOVER vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) trial in markedly treatment-resistant depression (TRD). RECOVER is the largest VNS TRD trial to date and enrolled very resistant and chronic patients (average 13 failed lifetime treatments; 17 years in current depression). Key findings include: the preponderance of the depression symptoms, quality-of-life, and functional outcomes showed active VNS was superior to sham VNS. Further, follow-up evidence demonstrated strong durability and delayed benefits (occurring 18-24 months out).

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