Mood and interest
A person may feel persistently sad, empty or irritable, lose interest in activities, or find feelings of guilt or hopelessness harder to move away from.
CONDITIONS / DEPRESSION & MOOD
Vagus nerve stimulation, depression and mood.
Neuvago is a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator designed to support relaxation and everyday stress management. It delivers gentle, adjustable stimulation through an earpiece at the outer ear.
Persistent low mood, loss of interest and changes in energy, sleep or concentration can make everyday life harder. Explore ear-based stimulation research and Neuvago for everyday relaxation, with clear access to professional support.
Neuvago is a general wellness device and is not intended to diagnose or treat depression or other mood disorders.
Assessment and support
COMMON PATTERNS
How depression can feel.
Depression is more than a brief change in mood. Persistent low mood or loss of interest, usually for at least two weeks, can affect thoughts, sleep, energy and daily life. Symptoms vary and need individual assessment.
Energy and concentration
Low energy, slowed thinking and difficulty concentrating or making decisions can affect work, study and everyday tasks.
Sleep and appetite
Depression may involve disrupted sleep, sleeping more or less than usual, and changes in appetite or weight.
Thoughts of death or suicide
Thoughts about death, suicide or self-harm require prompt support and should not be managed alone.
Get urgent supportSymptoms vary between people. One symptom or a difficult period does not establish a diagnosis.
EAR-BASED VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION
Why researchers are studying ear-based stimulation.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) uses electrical stimulation at the outer ear to target the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Researchers are investigating its effects on depressive symptoms, emotional processing and physiological responses to stress.
Depression involves interacting social, psychological and biological factors. Research on vagal pathways explores one part of this wider picture.
taVNS RESEARCH
What research has found.
Researchers are exploring whether ear-based taVNS influences depressive symptoms. A systematic review brings together findings from clinical studies.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW & META-ANALYSIS · 2023
taVNS and depressive symptoms
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis included 12 studies with 838 participants. The pooled analyses reported reductions in depression scores, including Hamilton Depression Scale scores, and higher response rates with taVNS than with sham stimulation in the relevant comparison.
The authors rated the evidence as low to very low quality, and the subgroup analyses included few studies. This limits how confidently the findings can be generalised.
Tan et al. · Journal of Affective Disorders · 2023
Read the published reviewThese studies used their own taVNS devices and protocols and did not evaluate Neuvago.
Explore wider taVNS researchNEUVAGO
A manageable pause in a difficult day.
Neuvago delivers gentle ear-based stimulation for relaxation and everyday wellbeing. A 20-minute pause can make room for calm in a demanding period, alongside appropriate professional care. Neuvago is not a treatment for depression.
Explore NeuvagoAssessment and support.
Speak with a qualified healthcare professional if low mood persists, affects daily life or raises concerns about safety. Depression can overlap with anxiety, grief, sleep problems or physical health conditions. Periods of unusually elevated mood, increased energy or reduced need for sleep also need assessment.
Effective psychological treatments are available; medication may also be considered according to individual needs. Research on taVNS should not delay or replace established care. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based on this page.
Read WHO guidance on depressionURGENT MENTAL-HEALTH SUPPORT
When to seek urgent help.
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm need immediate support.
If you think you may act on thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services or a crisis line now.
Tell someone you trust what is happening and contact a doctor, mental-health professional or crisis service as soon as possible.
If it is safe to do so, stay with another person while help is being arranged.
Seek prompt professional assessment when symptoms are rapidly worsening or you are struggling to keep yourself safe.
Help is available. This page is not a crisis service and does not replace professional assessment.
SOURCES
Research and background sources.
The Tan review covers depressive symptoms; WHO sources provide background on depression and care. The safety review provides wider taVNS context.
World Health Organization — Depression
External source ↗World Health Organization. Depressive disorder (depression). Updated 11 September 2026.
Background on depressive symptoms, available treatment and seeking support.
World Health Organization — Bipolar disorder
External source ↗World Health Organization. Bipolar disorder. Updated 11 September 2026.
Background on depressive, manic and hypomanic episodes.
Tan et al., 2023
External source ↗Tan C, Qiao M, Ma Y, et al. The efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2023;337:37–49. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.048.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of taVNS studies in depressive disorders.
Kim et al., 2022
External source ↗Kim AY, Marduy A, de Melo PS, et al. Safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2022;12:22055.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of reported adverse events in the wider taVNS literature.
Evidence reviewed
27 August 2026
Editorial review
Neuvago Editorial Team
This page provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical advice.
Read our full medical disclaimerNEUVAGO
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