Deep Brain Stimulation Shows Promise

A new Canadian study published on July 21 indicates that deep brain stimulation (DBS) - which involves implanting tiny electrodes in areas of the brain with abnormal function in order to stimulate these areas and block the activity - is a safe and promising new therapy for treatment resistant depression.

Twenty patients participated in the study, lead by Dr. Andres Lozano, Neurosurgeon at Krembil Neurosciences Centre - Toronto Western Hospital and Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience, which involved targeting an area in the brain which is known to be overactive in those with depression.

“Our research confirmed that 60% of patients have shown a clinically significant response to the surgery and the benefits were sustained for at least one year,” said Dr. Lozano.

Dr. Lozano first published research regarding DBS in 2005, when his team had used the new treatment with just six patients. This new report expands upon that research by adding 14 new patients.

According to Psychiatric Secrets, 2nd ed., treatment resistance is frequently defined as failure to respond to an adequate trial of at least two standard antidepressants. Treatment resistant patients may also initially respond to an antidepressant, but quickly develop a tolerance to it.

Currently approved options for treatment resistant depression include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

The study appears in the journal Biological Psychiatry