Managing symptoms of major depressive disorder : vagus nerve stimulation vs deep brain stimulation

Abstract

Despite numerous psychopharmacological treatments and approaches in psychotherapy to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), clients suffering from treatment resistant depression might require alternative forms of treatment to help them manage their symptoms. Stimulation therapies are such an alternative form. The main aim in treating the symptoms of depression is for the individual to regain control of self, stabilise disabling symptoms and eventually reach remission while also preventing relapse. The aim of this dissertation is to establish whether vangus nerve stimulation is more effective than deep brain stimulation in managing symptoms of MDD. The research question reads: Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation more effective than Deep Brain Stimulation in Managing Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder? The PICO elements in this question are represented by adults diagnosed with depression as the population, Vagus Nerve Stimulation as the intervention, Deep Brain Stimulation as comparison and the outcome is managing symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder. The search was conducted in various databases found within HyDi, through the inclusion and amalgamation of various keywords through Boolean Logic Operators. Inclusion criteria included in the search strategy were made up of adult patients, human studies, peer reviewed studies, studies published between 2011 and 2021, studies published in English, and open, free access, full text studies. Exclusion criteria were made up of studies published in another language not English, studies published before 2011, other age groups which were not adults, animal studies, closed access, payment required, full text not available literature, non-peer reviewed studies and grey literature. The search yielded a total of six studies for appraisal. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) for Randomized Controlled Trials and Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analysis were used to appraise the studies. Main results of this dissertation resulted in higher efficacy from Deep Brain Stimulation than Vagus Nerve Stimulation for the treatment of depression. These findings imply better evidence-based practice with regards to psychiatric nursing. The main recommendation is for further enhancement in literature surround both stimulating therapies.