Original Research J Clin Psychiatry July 2026

Impact of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Suicidal Ideation in Markedly Treatment-Resistant Major Depression: A RECOVER Study Report

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry. Clinical Summary Patients with markedly treatment-resistant major depression often carry persistent suicidal ideation, yet few treatments have demonstrated specific antisuicidal effects. This study addresses a practical question for clinicians using vagus nerve stimulation: whether adjunctive VNS changes suicidal ideation over time in a chronically ill, high-risk TRD population. FAQ Did active vagus nerve stimulation reduce suicidal ideation in treatment-resistant major depression? 10 questions
Key Takeaways This was an exceptionally high-risk TRD cohort: participants averaged approximately 29 years of depression, 13 failed antidepressant treatments, 71.0% had failed at least 1 interventional treatment in the current MDE, and 40.4% had attempted suicide. 6 takeaways Clinical Guide How should clinicians systematically monitor suicidal ideation over time in patients with markedly treatment-resistant major depression receiving adjunctive VNS? 8 steps Clinical Guide How should clinicians interpret suicidal ideation improvement, remission, or worsening during adjunctive VNS treatment in markedly treatment-resistant major depression? 7 steps
Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc. (PPP) makes no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of any information published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry or other PPP materials, and disclaims liability for any use or non-use of that information. Clinicians should not rely solely on these materials and should exercise their own professional judgment when making patient care decisions on an individualized basis.

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