Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in World Trade Center Responders: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study
Debnath S, Cook HM, Shaam P, Ryniker L, Fylaktou F, Lieberman L, McCann Pineo M, Deligiannidis KM, Zanos TP, Schwartz RM
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2026
Key finding
At-home taVNS for 8 weeks was feasible and acceptable in WTC responders (90.6% retention), with 40% of the active group showing >=10-point CAPS-5 reductions in this feasibility-focused randomized sham-controlled trial.
- Condition
- PTSD
- Stimulation
- taVNS
- Evidence tier
- Randomised Controlled Trial
- Participants
- 32
Cite this study
Debnath, S., Cook, H. M., Shaam, P., Ryniker, L., Fylaktou, F., Lieberman, L., McCann Pineo, M., Deligiannidis, K. M., Zanos, T. P., & Schwartz, R. M. (2026). Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in World Trade Center Responders: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(3), 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23030401
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Summary by Vagus Research. Always consult the primary source for the authoritative record.