Deep Brain Stimulation Promising for Depression

[Angel]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) shows promise for treating depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), according to new research presented at a medical conference by doctors from the Cleveland Clinic and Brown University's Butler Hospital in Providence, R.I.

Researchers say, "Since 2001, this team of investigators has been using DBS for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. Because DBS for OCD showed significant benefits in improving patient's anxiety and obsessions, as well as improvements in co-morbid depression, the research team initiated a new study analyzing the effects of DBS on patients with major depression."
Deep brain stimulation involves surgery where tiny implantable electrodes are placed into parts of the brain. These provide electrical stimulation to block abnormal activity in the brain. The technology has been used to treat pain and more recently has been FDA-approved for treating Parkinson's and other movement disorders.

In this new study, six patients who had not responded to depression treatments including medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), underwent the DBS surgery. Six months later, four of the six patients had a 50 percent or greater lowered degree of depression, based on their score on a depression rating scale.

About 18.8 million American adults suffer from a depressive disorder each year, and OCD, while not as prevalent, affects between 2 percent and 3 percent of the population.