Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation enhances reward-effort efficiency in severe major depressive disorder.
Paul A G Forbes, Emily Brandt, Mareike Aichholzer et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on reward-effort efficiency in patients with severe major depressive disorder (MDD). Among 53 MDD patients, tVNS improved the efficiency of physical effort allocation for rewards compared to sham stimulation, particularly in those with severe symptoms. No significant effects were observed in healthy controls or patients with less severe symptoms.
Key findings
- tVNS enhanced reward-effort efficiency in patients with severe MDD compared to sham stimulation.
- No interaction was found between condition and group in primary analyses.
- The effect was driven by reduced unnecessary effort in severe MDD patients.
Why it matters
Understanding how tVNS influences motivation and effort in severe MDD could inform treatment strategies. Enhancing reward-effort efficiency may improve patient outcomes by addressing core symptoms of depression.