Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Pacemaker for Depression: But Does it Work?

Eight months ago the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a pocket-watch-sized device billed as "a pacemaker for the brain," the newest cutting-edge treatment for as many as 4 million adults whose severe depression is not relieved by psychotherapy, drugs or even shock treatments.

Since then, more than 550 Americans have undergone surgery to have a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implanted in their chests to activate parts of their brains. However, the only rigorous clinical trial of the device -- which is approved to treat severe epilepsy -- failed to demonstrate effectiveness in alleviating depression.

What happened to evidence-based medicine?

2 comments:

Sue Trinidad said...

Your question seems especially apt given that FDA has also acted against scientific evidence in the other direction--ie, the refusal to license Plan B for OTC sales.

And. . . given that women are twice as likely to experience depression during thier lives (compared with men), this is an important issue for women's health.

Linda MacDonald Glenn said...

Thanks for the personal insight, Herb -- I wonder would have compelled the reporter to give such a biased slant? Just a lack of understanding?