Contemporary psychosurgery: Deep brain stimulation for the treatment of refractory depression

• Main Authors: Matej Markota, Andrej Vranič, Mara Bresjanac
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Medical Association 2010-05-01
• Series: Zdravniški Vestnik
• Online Access: http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/261

The aim of this review is to present the use of deep brain stimulation in the treatment of resistant depression and to summarize the available clinical data stemming from this area. The need for new therapeutic interventions in the treatment of depression is emphasized, followed by a short overview of the history of psychosurgery. A tentative explanation of the mechanisms of therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation is presented. Current understanding of the mechanisms of deep brain stimulation in two brain regions is provided to account for the use of this method in resistant depression. Results of clinical trials using deep brain stimulation for the treatment of depression are reviewed. In conclusion, the authors discuss the role of psychosurgery in contemporary psychiatric treatment, emphasizing the need for further research.