Deep brain stimulation provides a significant reduction in the symptoms of depression for a number of patients with a treatment-resistant form of the disorder.
Deep brain stimulation may elevate, and even eliminate symptoms of depression in patients for whom traditional treatments have failed, a new study reports.
Researchers implanted pacemaker electrodes into the medial forebrain bundle of patients suffering from major depression and performed deep brain stimulation. In a matter of days, in six out of seven patients, symptoms such as anxiety, despondence, listlessness and joylessness had improved considerably.