Currently Enrolling

Treating Postpartum Depression with Wearable Stimulation Device

Interested in a treatment for postpartum depression that does not require taking additional medication?

Vorso Corp, a biotechnology company based out of Redwood City, California, invented a wearable stimulation device consisting of an external stimulation generator and wearable/removable ear piece, which serves as the stimulation delivery apparatus. The stimulator generates electrical pulses that are delivered through the ear piece to the ear. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been show to be effective in treating different diseases including epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and migraines.

We are seeking women ages 18-45 with an onset of a current minor or major depressive episode during gestation or within the first 12 months of delivery. Participants must have a primary care provider (PCP), and are either not on antidepressant medications or a stable dose of SSRI, SNRI, or bupropion for at least 30 days prior to study enrollment.

Study participation will last 9 weeks and participants will be compensated up to $300 for completing the study. Participants will use the device once daily for 6 weeks and must be able to attend 6 in-person follow-up visits and answer bi-weekly telephone calls.

Currently there is no non-pharmacological treatment available for PPD that is easily accessible from home. The availability of a small, wearable device that could be used in the home would constitute an important advancement in the treatment of this common and disabling disorder.

If you are interested in enrolling or learning more about our study, please contact the study coordinator Lexi Nutkiewicz at 650-724-4559 or lexinut7@stanford.edu