Biological psychiatry
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Biological psychiatry · Sep 2008
Subcallosal cingulate gyrus deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression.
A preliminary report in six patients suggested that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG) may provide benefit in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We now report the results of these and an additional 14 patients with extended follow-up. ⋯ This study suggests that DBS is relatively safe and provides significant improvement in patients with TRD. Subcallosal cingulate gyrus DBS likely acts by modulating brain networks whose dysfunction leads to depression. The procedure is well tolerated and benefits are sustained for at least 1 year. A careful double-blind appraisal is required before the procedure can be recommended for use on a wider scale.