Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression

By Charles E. Donovan III

Book Overview

This is remarkable story of one man's journey out of the black hole of depression thanks to the remarkable medical breakthrough therapy of vagus nerve stimulation. This is now an FDA-approved... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0974848417
• ISBN13: 9780974848419
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Wellness Publishers, LLC
• Length: 173 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Must-read for those considering VNS--and their doctors

If you or someone you love suffers from severe, treatment-resistant depression, you'll find hope in this book, and in the treatment it describes. In his compassionate, plain-spoken style, Charles Donovan tells you exactly what to expect at every turn, as if he were describing the process to a friend. If you're not sure if VNS therapy is right for you, this book will undoubtedly help you make the right decision. Reading Charles Donovan's story will also help you realize that you're not alone.

must read for anyone considering VNS THERAPY

Since the FDA finally approved this therapy, I can't imagine having the procedure done without the information and very emotional story contained in this book. He tells you everything you need to know about vagus nerve stimulation and depression. I am 100% confident now that the procedure is the right thing for me to do. I know what to expect. It's a safe, sixty-minute surgery. It is unrelated to brain surgery or ECT and the side effects seem tolerable and disappear over time. The author generously shares his personal struggles with depression. I thank him very much for hi courage. Don't have the implant without having read the wonderful thoughtful book.

Informational. Inspirational- a potential life saver!

Finally, someone who truely understands depression. There's no self-help junk in this book, just pure gold. I want this implant.

Out of the Black Hole

Everyone who is either directly or indirectly exposed to the effects of long term depression should read this couagous and honest account of the authors bout and recovery from this devestating desease. It gives great hope to all who know about the Black Hole.

Wonderful inspirational and informational story! A+

The author truly understands the misery of chronic depression, which is rare. And with some self-deprecating humor, takes the reader through the entire process of being a study subject for vagus nerve stimulation and depression and his subsequent remission due to the procedure. All sorts of other information such as insurance issues and 101 facts about the biological disease of depression from the Amercian Psychiatric Association's 2004 Annual Meeting. Great book with information from leading experts in psychiatry.