Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression: An Update

Abstract Depression is an often debilitating disorder affecting a person’s ability to work and function. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) leads to many interventions and significant health care costs. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging potential intervention for those with TRD who have undergone adequate medication, therapy, and rTMS/ECT trials, but who continue to suffer from unremitting depressive symptoms. The latest clinical safety and efficacy data of DBS for TRD is presented in this review. Since the origin of DBS is rooted in specific neuroanatomical targets, the discussion is organized according to target brain region. Relevant neuroimaging and animal studies are discussed, when available, as to how they shed light on possible mechanisms of action. Lastly, critical ethical issues related to informed consent and decision-making capacity are considered.
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research