Studies report response rates of 35 - 46% in appropriate candidates with treatment-resistant depression. VNS is approved by the FDA for long-term treatment of chronic depression in adults who have not responded to typical treatments for their major depressive episode. Patients who use VNS may continue to show improvement in both their depression symptoms and quality of life.
Vagal stimulation can cause shortness of breath, hoarseness, sore throat, coughing, ear and throat pain, or nausea and vomiting. These side effects can be reduced or eliminated by reducing the intensity of stimulation. Long-term studies on patients with epilepsy have reported no serious adverse side effects, although the treatment may cause lung function deterioration in some people with existing lung disease.
Acupuncture
Some evidence suggests that acupuncture may help in relieving depression in some women. Small studies, including one in 2001, have found it comparable to medications or psychotherapy. Larger studies are required to confirm its benefits.
Sleep Deprivation
Research suggests that even one night of total sleep deprivation can reduce depression 40 - 60% of the time. Improvement in mood generally occurs during the night or on the following day. About 10 - 15% of people who respond to this treatment have reduced depression only after fully sleeping again. Some people may respond to sleep deprivation that occurs only in the second half of the night (3 - 6 a.m.). However, in 2 - 7% of cases depression may worsen after sleep deprivation.
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