Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Depression with Lucian Manu, MD

Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Depression with Lucian Manu, MD

From Psychiatry Tomorrow by Osmind

November 5, 2025 · 46 min · Episode 28

About this episode

Dr. Lucian Manu discusses the benefits and processes of vagal nerve stimulation for treating treatment-resistant depression.

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) treats treatment-resistant depression with unique benefits: effects improve over 12-24 months, low relapse rates, and reduces ketamine frequency. Learn patient selection criteria, Medicare RECOVER trial access at 80+ sites, insurance appeals process, and how VNS creates a clinical "floor" preventing deepest episodes. Expert insights from Dr. Lucian Manu, Stony Brook University.

People in this episode

Guest: Lucian Manu, MD

Topics covered

  • vagal nerve stimulation
  • depression
  • treatment-resistant depression
  • Medicare RECOVER trial
  • insurance appeals
  • mental health

Keywords

  • vagal nerve stimulation
  • depression
  • treatment-resistant
  • Medicare
  • insurance
  • mental health
  • ketamine

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Stony Brook University

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