Gain more freedom and self-determination.
Treat depression with tVNS®.
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that negatively affects the way one thinks and feels, interfering with one’s daily activities. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and hopelessness along with a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
Treatment Options for Depression
Medication
There are different types of medications that can be used to treat depression including serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, and many others. The doctor or pharmacist will inform patients about the possible mild or severe side effects of these drugs upon prescription, which will be followed by close monitoring for the first few weeks after starting the medication.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a general term for continuing treatment of depression which entails talking to a mental health professional about one’s condition and related issues. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy or psychological therapy. Different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or trauma therapy, can be effective for depression depending on the patient.
Hospital Treatment
Some cases of severe depression require in-patient hospital stays. This may be necessary when the individual is unable to properly care for themselves and is in danger of harming themselves or others. Psychiatric treatment in a hospital can help an individual stay calm and safe until their mood improves. Partial hospital or day treatment programs may also help some individuals.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
In ECT, electrical currents are passed through the brain to impact the function and effect of neurotransmitters in your brain to relieve depression. ECT is usually used for people who don’t get better with medications, can’t take antidepressants for health reasons, or are at high risk of suicide.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
TMS may be an option for those who haven’t responded to antidepressants. During TMS, a treatment coil, placed against your scalp, sends brief magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in your brain that are involved in mood regulation and depression.
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS)
The tVNS® auricular vagus stimulation device is a treatment option that provides vagus nerve stimulation through the ear. The increase in parasympathetic activity from the stimulation provides relaxation and a calming effect. The increased release of serotonin provides a positive change in mood and the increased sleep quality leads to an improvement in the overall quality of life. Significant decreases in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, increase in Resting State Functional Connectivity and decrease in Beck Depression Inventory can be observed. tVNS® has very low side effects compared to drug options.
