OBJECTIVE: A prevalence of at least 30% for treatment-resistant depression has prompted the investigation of alternative treatment strategies. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising targeted approach involving the bilateral placement of electrodes at specific neuroanatomical sites. Given the invasive and experimental nature of DBS for treatment-resistant depression, it is important to obtain both short-term and long-term effectiveness and safety data. This report represents an extended follow-up of 20 patients with treatment-resistant depression who received DBS to the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (Brodmann's area 25). METHOD: After an initial 12-month study of DBS, patients were seen annually and at a last follow-up visit to assess depression severity, functional outcomes, and adverse events. RESULTS: The average response rates 1, 2, and 3 years after DBS implantation were 62.5%, 46.2%, and 75%, respectively. At the last follow-up visit (range=3-6 years), the average response rate was 64.3%. Functional impairment in the areas of physical health and social functioning progressively improved up to the last follow-up visit. No significant adverse events were reported during this follow-up, although two patients died by suicide during depressive relapses. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that in the long term, DBS remains a safe and effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Additional trials with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.
OBJECTIVE: A prevalence of at least 30% for treatment-resistant depression has prompted the investigation of alternative treatment strategies. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising targeted approach involving the bilateral placement of electrodes at specific neuroanatomical sites. Given the invasive and experimental nature of DBS for treatment-resistant depression, it is important to obtain both short-term and long-term effectiveness and safety data. This report represents an extended follow-up of 20 patients with treatment-resistant depression who received DBS to the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (Brodmann's area 25). METHOD: After an initial 12-month study of DBS, patients were seen annually and at a last follow-up visit to assess depression severity, functional outcomes, and adverse events. RESULTS: The average response rates 1, 2, and 3 years after DBS implantation were 62.5%, 46.2%, and 75%, respectively. At the last follow-up visit (range=3-6 years), the average response rate was 64.3%. Functional impairment in the areas of physical health and social functioning progressively improved up to the last follow-up visit. No significant adverse events were reported during this follow-up, although two patients died by suicide during depressive relapses. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that in the long term, DBS remains a safe and effective treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Additional trials with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.
Authors: James M Broadway; Paul E Holtzheimer; Matthew R Hilimire; Nathan A Parks; Jordan E Devylder; Helen S Mayberg; Paul M Corballis Journal: Neuropsychopharmacology Date: 2012-03-14 Impact factor: 7.853
Authors: Clement Hamani; Danilo C Machado; Débora C Hipólide; Francisco P Dubiela; Deborah Suchecki; Carlos E Macedo; Fabio Tescarollo; Uilton Martins; Luciene Covolan; José N Nobrega Journal: Biol Psychiatry Date: 2011-10-14 Impact factor: 13.382
Authors: Matthew R Hilimire; Helen S Mayberg; Paul E Holtzheimer; James M Broadway; Nathan A Parks; Jordan E DeVylder; Paul M Corballis Journal: Brain Stimul Date: 2014-11-24 Impact factor: 8.955