An FDA-approved, implant-based option for adults whose depression has not improved enough with standard treatment.
Advanced Depression Care
Vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS, uses a small implanted pulse generator connected to the left vagus nerve. The device sends scheduled electrical pulses that influence brain circuits involved in mood regulation.
For depression, VNS Therapy is used as an adjunctive long-term treatment for adults with chronic or recurrent depression who have not had enough benefit from several antidepressant treatments.
BioMental Clinic helps patients compare VNS with options such as TMS, SPRAVATO / esketamine, ketamine, medication management, and psychotherapy so the next step fits the treatment history and goals.
When To Consider VNS
The starting point is a clear review of diagnosis, symptom severity, prior medication trials, psychotherapy history, and response to other advanced treatments.
Because VNS involves an implanted device, the plan usually includes coordination with outside specialists for surgical placement and device management alongside ongoing psychiatric care.
What We Review
A VNS consult covers the treatment target, prior treatment response, medical history, likely referral pathway, and how improvement would be tracked over time.
When VNS is not the strongest next step, the plan may instead focus on TMS, SPRAVATO / esketamine, ketamine, medication changes, psychotherapy, or coordination with current providers.
Next Steps
If you want to review whether VNS belongs in your treatment plan, these are the usual next steps:
Frequently Asked Questions
No. TMS is a non-invasive office-based treatment, while VNS involves an implanted device and a different long-term treatment pathway.
Adults with chronic or treatment-resistant depression often ask about VNS after multiple medication trials, therapy, or other structured treatments have not provided enough relief.
Usually not. VNS is an adjunctive treatment, which means it is typically considered as one part of a broader care plan.
That decision starts with a clinical evaluation. We review your history, current symptoms, and prior treatment response to decide which options are most reasonable to discuss.
Contact Us
For general questions, use this form and our team will follow up. Ready to request a consult? Please complete the consult request form.
