Hi - I'm considering VNS, but can't seem to find much about if it helps people with rapid cycling bipolar II. Most of my problem is strong depression/irritability/anger, but I cycle up and down every 2 to 7 days. I've tried most medications, with little to no help. I'm not considering ECT because I can't afford the memory loss with my work. My disease seems to get worse by the month and I'm afraid of losing my job, and of mild suicidal thoughts.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks - Dwayne

I'm not aware of any studies done for the VNS and Bipolar II Rapid Cycling. AFAIK, the VNS studies have focused on epilepsy and TRD. You might try contacting Cyberonics directly and ask them if they have done any studies or are currently doing any studies for BIIRC.

Thanks, Moderator. I am in touch with Cyberonics directly. If my insurance approves, I may just become a guinea pig to see if it will help.

I have ultra-rapid cycling bipolar and I have the implant. Aetna paid because I am depressed and have used all available drugs. They quickly approved my surgery because it was outpatient - this is key - outpatient does not require review with Aetna. I don't know if it works yet - have to wait a few more months!

I have TRD and rapid cycling Bi Polar II. I have had the VNS for over 17 months and it works for me. I am at high settings, but it works.


Labrat :im_033: : cat :

hi my husband has been suffering from bi-polar for several years. he has been on many different meds and none seem to continue working. he is sicker now than ever and has been in the hospital for a few weeks. they are dooing the ect which they have done in the past and they are now considering the vns procedure. he wants to have the procedure done because he is so frustrated with being depressed but it is hard to find any statistics on this for depression. i would appreciate it if anyone out there knows where i could find this info to let me know. good luck to all of you, i also know it is very hard for loved ones to deal with this disease if anyone needs to talk, im here :im_033:

I'm not one to deny anyone anything that might help, but it was my understanding that it was specifically NOT recommended for Rapid Cycling Bipolar.

I see that there are some with Rapid Cycling BP implanted, but on the vnstherapy.com site it does say: "VNS Therapy is not approved for rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. Research is ongoing to determine the safety and efficacy of VNS Therapy for rapid-cycling bipolar disorder."



kimt, if you go to VNS Therapy you can get more info, and I believe they will even send you a fee patient packet with a DVD and more brochures that discuss TRD.

i don't know when the last time this question was up-dated but i've had my vns for about 8 months i guess. i have bp ll rapid cycling. i still take medicine but i feel better than i have in years. it's not as if life will ever be rosey for us but it feels great to see in color instead of black/white (i also have trd)