The RECOVER Trial of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Markedly Treatment-Resistant Depression: Critical Findings, Lessons Learned, and Future Directions

The authors of the RECOVER trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive active vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) compared to sham stimulation in adults with markedly treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. While the primary outcome did not show a significant difference between the groups, active VNS demonstrated superior benefits in various secondary measures related to symptoms, function, and quality of life, with over 80% of participants maintaining improvements over 18-24 months. The study highlights the potential for durable benefits from VNS in a population typically resistant to treatment.