Condition · Evidence Hub
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Bipolar Disorder
Does vagus nerve stimulation help with bipolar disorder? 2 human studies have investigated VNS for bipolar disorder, including 2 controlled trials, published in 2008. Studies use implanted (iVNS) stimulation. Findings vary by study design and population; the studies below are ranked by evidence strength so you can weigh the research directly.
2 controlled trials
2
Human Studies
2
controlled trials
244+
Participants
2008–2008
Years Spanned
Evidence by Tier
strongest → weakest
- 2Controlled clinical trials
Stimulation Method
- 2iVNS
Research Momentum
0 of 2 studies (0%) published since 2022.
The studies
2 studies · strongest evidence firstVagus nerve stimulation: 2-year outcomes for bipolar versus unipolar treatment-resistant depression
Nierenberg et al. · Biological Psychiatry · 2008 · n = 235
controlled trialsiVNSA 1-year pilot study of vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant rapid-cycling bipolar disorder
Marangell et al. · The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry · 2008 · n = 9
controlled trialsiVNS