The extent and durability of improvement in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and daily function with three years of vagus nerve stimulation in markedly treatment-resistant depression: A RECOVER study report

The RECOVER study examined the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in 436 patients with markedly treatment-resistant depression over three years. The early-active treatment group (221 patients) and the delayed-active treatment group (215 patients) were monitored at months 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36. Results showed that the early-active group demonstrated significant improvements in depressive symptoms and clinical impression between months 12-24 and 12-36, but not between months 24-36. The delayed-active group showed similar improvements but with a delay of approximately one year. Robust durability of response was observed in both groups, with 71.1% of early-active patients and 69.0% of delayed-active patients maintaining or improving their condition between months 12 and 36. The findings indicate that VNS produces gradual improvements that often emerge progressively and are highly durable.