Citation

Kennedy SH, Giacobbe P, Rizvi SJ, Placenza FM, Nishikawa Y, Mayberg HS, Lozano AM. Am. J. Psychiatry 2011; 168(5): 502-510.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10081187

PMID

21285143

Abstract

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.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Suicide; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Time Factors; Chi-Square Distribution; Treatment Failure; Analysis of Variance; Follow-Up Studies; Gyrus Cinguli; Depressive Disorder, Major; Deep Brain Stimulation