A new 25-year scientometric study maps the academic and global research impact of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in psychiatry.

Scientometric analysis is a bibliometric review of publication and citation data. The study reviews a quarter-century of research to trace publication trends, citation influence and geographic research hubs for VNS applied to psychiatric disorders.

Vagus nerve stimulation is a neuromodulatory technique used in treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric conditions. Previously, clinical use and research have focused on treatment-resistant depression and some anxiety-related disorders; this study aggregates how the field has evolved academically over 25 years.

The paper does not present new clinical trial results. Instead, it maps the literature to show where research activity and scholarly attention have concentrated and where gaps remain. That kind of mapping can help researchers, clinicians and funders see which topics attract sustained citation and which regions lead or lag in publishing.

Readers should treat the work as an overview of the academic footprint rather than a clinical guideline. The study's value lies in clarifying research trajectories and informing decisions about future studies, collaborations and funding priorities in VNS for psychiatry.

Photo credit: assets.cureus.com

Tags: vagus nerve stimulation, VNS, psychiatry, scientometrics, neuromodulation

Topics: Vagus nerve & taVNS, Neuromodulation, Mental health technology