Depression Information

FDA Deems Vagus Nerve Therapy Approvable as a Treatment for Depression


On February 3, 2005 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the manufacturer of the vagus nerve stimulator (Cyberonics, Inc.) that it had deemed its VNS Therapy System approvable as a long-term adjunctive treatment for patients over the age of 18 with chronic or recurrent treatment-resistant depression in a major depressive episode that has not responded to at least four adequate antidepressant treatments. In the approvable letter received today by Cyberonics, FDA indicated that final approval was conditional on final labeling, final protocols for a post-approval dosing optimization study and patient registry.

This is an extraordinary announcement and major step for the four million Americans suffering from chronic or treatment-resistant depression towards providing an FDA-approved, informatively labeled, long-term treatment option specifically for their lifelong and life-threatening illness.

The FDA is reviewing the final labeling, which includes the Physician's and Patient's Manuals, and expects to complete that review in a timely manner. When all of the FDA's conditions have been satisfied, the Company plans a formal launch in conjunction with the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting in May.

You need to be your own best advocate and educate yourself about how this remarkable FDA approved therapy can change your life. Learn more at www.VagusNerveStimulator.com

The author was a study study subject in the FDA investigational trial of vagus nerve stimulation and chronic depression. He is the author of Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression and editor of the VagusNerveStimulator.com Web site.


MORE RESOURCES:

DigitalJournal.com

Teen marijuana users at high risk of mental problems
Xinhua, China - 1 hour ago
BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Teenagers who use marijuana put themselves at high risk for serious mental problems: including worsening depression, ...
Marijuana and depression a bad mix with teens iTWire
New Report Shows Teens Smoking Pot Worsens Depression Wake Up America
Parents warned that pot increases depression risk in teens Dallas Morning News
U.S. News & World Report - Science Daily (press release)
all 484 news articles


MSN Money UK

Charity warns of 'debt depression'
The Press Association - 3 hours ago
"Money worries aren't just keeping people awake at night - they are causing high levels of stress, depression and in some cases self-harm and suicidal ...
Calls for action on debt depression mform
Extreme highs and lows are what’s troubling SA The Times
Spending sprees plunge mental health patients into chronic debt Independent
BBC News
all 10 news articles


Bladder trouble tied to depression, anxiety
Tehran Times, Iran - May 10, 2008
""Although we suspect that depression and anxiety are reactions to the dysfunctional voiding, we could not preclude the possibility that psychological ...


thelowdown.co.nz Provides Depression Support
Scoop.co.nz (press release), New Zealand - 22 minutes ago
"The organizers of 'Toran's march' raise important issues about young people getting help for depression when they need it" says Daniel Maaka, from Lifeline ...


Doctors' phone calls can improve depression treatment
New York Daily News, NY - 18 hours ago
BY SONDRA WOLFER A medical study of seniors with depression is putting a new spin on that old bromide, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away. ...


Depression, bipolar support groups available
Times-Standard, CA - 18 hours ago
EUREKA -- The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Humboldt shapter offers free peer-support groups for those experiencing depression. ...


A memoir of depression
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - May 9, 2008
A novelist and successful journalist, Stephanie Merritt suffers from a "relatively mild" bipolar condition - what used to be known as manic depression ...


CTV.ca

Depression blocks mood-boosting chemicals: study
CTV.ca, Canada - May 8, 2008
Some people suffering from depression have fewer receptors for mood-boosting chemicals, a new study says, which could explain why some patients respond to ...


Health Tip: Signs of Depression
U.S. News & World Report, DC - May 9, 2008
Depression is more than just a case of the blues. AARP offers this list of common warning signs: Difficulty concentrating, problems with memory, ...


PRESS TV

Depression, voiding disorders linked
PRESS TV, Iran - May 10, 2008
Scientists have suggested that the majority of women suffering from voiding dysfunctions are more prone to depression and anxiety. ...

Depression - Google News

home | site map
© 2006