university of medical center

university of medical center
In an effort to further understand why Vagus nerve stimulation therapy is more effective than anitidepressants with patients who suffer from chronic depression, the manufacturer of the vagus nerve stimulator, Cyberonics, Inc., announced the launch of the first treatment-resistant depression (TRD ) patient registry. This registry key that will help the medical community understanding of TRD, and determine which pateints are best suited for this process. I believe that the data from the registry will significantly help psychiatrists continue to understand Vagus nerve stimulation as this is effective.

There are twenty-two centers in the United States to participate in this study is very valuable. Some of the centers, which have agreed to participate in the TRD Registry are:

* Columbia University / New York Presbyterian Hospital
* Massachusetts General Hospital
* Sheppard Pratt Health System
* UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
* Medical University of South Carolina
* University of Connecticut Health Center
* SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse
* Oregon Health & Science University
* University of Florida
* University of South Florida
* Wake Forest University
* Florida Atlantic University
* University of Mississippi Medical Center
* Buffalo Medical Group, University of Pittsburgh
* Henry Ford Health System
* University of Massachusetts
* University of Utah
* Medical College of Virginia and Rush-Presbyterian Chicago

The TRD Registry is supported by the Research Registry Advisory Board, headed by Martin B. Keller, MD, Mary E. Sugar Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI.

There are several objectives of the Registry, which will include 2,000 patients. The main objective of the TRD Registry is to ensure the clinical course and outcome for patients with TRD treated with and without adjunctive VNS Therapy. With regard to the inclusion in the study, patients must be suffering depression, which are in a depressive episode and have not had an adequate response to four or more adequate treatments. Half of the patients in the registry received adjunctive VNS Therapy. Thirty patients, of whom 25 received VNS therapy, which is already enrolled in the registry.

This is very important that all patients with chronic depression, their families and relatives. The more data the better. Fortunately, I was implanted with this device over a period of five years in the investigational process. It is now an FDA approved procedure, a prescription from your psychiatrist.

You can learn more about this treatment on http://www.VagusNerveStimulator.com

Charles Donovan was a patient in the study of the FDA investigational Vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic or recurrent treatment resistant depression. He was implanted with the stimulator N. vagus in April 2001. He chronicles his journey from the grips of depression thanks to Vagus nerve stimulation therapy in his book:

Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus nerve stimulation and depression. Forward by John M. Zajecka, MD from Rush University Medical willing and Nancy, Ph.D. Washington University

His all inclusive book prepares depression sufferers to make an informed decision about this ninety minutes outpatient procedure. It is a "read" before you find out about this treatment with the psychiatrist. A recipe for the process is from an MD, and it is considered by most insurance companies.

He is the founder of the Web Site and http://www.VagusNerveStimulation.com Bulletin.