Effects of Respiratory-Gated Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Major Depression (Phase 1)

This study will compare the acute effects of respiratory-gated transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) at different stimulation frequencies and sham stimulation during five sessions within a 2 week period. Heart rate variability (HRV) point process adaptive filtering estimation algorithms will be used to evaluate changes in cardiac autonomic physiology in subjects with major depression in response to tVNS. The effects of tVNS on cardiovagal regulation will be evaluated at rest and in response to an emotion reactivity task. Depression rating scales (Beck's Depression Inventory) will be used to evaluate short term effects of tVNS on depressive symptoms in these subjects. In addition, the study will evaluate the acute effects of the stimulation on serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The stimulation frequency that produces the greatest regulatory effects on depressive symptoms and physiological variables in this population will be used in a second longitudinal phase of the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of recurrent Major Depressive Disorder with a current active depressive episode
• Currently not taking psychiatric medications or on a stable therapeutic dose of psychiatric medication for at least 30 days prior to entering the study

Exclusion criteria

• History of cardio-, cerebro-, or peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2), kidney or liver failure, history of unexplained fainting spells
• Any psychiatric disorder involving a history of psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, severe personality disorders)
• Any chronic condition affecting movement, speech and/or ability to read or follow written instructions
• Substance use disorder, either mild, moderate, or severe within the past 12 months (excludes nicotine)
• History of suicide attempt within the last year or current active suicidal ideation
• History of a clinically defined neurological disorder including, but not limited to: Any condition likely to be associated with increased intracranial pressure; space occupying brain lesion; History of cerebrovascular accident; Transient ischemic attack within two years; Cerebral aneurysm; Dementia; Parkinson's Disease; Huntington's chorea; or Multiple sclerosis.
• Pregnant or nursing
• Metallic implants or devices contraindicating tVNS