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Deep Brain Stimulation of the Ventral Capsule/Ventral Striatum for Treatment-Resistant Depression

  • Donald A. Malone
  • , Darin D. Dougherty
  • , Ali R. Rezai
  • , Linda L. Carpenter
  • , Gerhard M. Friehs
  • , Emad N. Eskandar
  • , Scott L. Rauch
  • , Steven A. Rasmussen
  • , Andre G. Machado
  • , Cynthia S. Kubu
  • , Audrey R. Tyrka
  • , Lawrence H. Price
  • , Paul H. Stypulkowski
  • , Jonathon E. Giftakis
  • , Mark T. Rise
  • , Paul F. Malloy
  • , Stephen P. Salloway
  • , Benjamin D. Greenberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: We investigated the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) for treatment refractory depression. Methods: Fifteen patients with chronic, severe, highly refractory depression received open-label DBS at three collaborating clinical sites. Electrodes were implanted bilaterally in the VC/VS region. Stimulation was titrated to therapeutic benefit and the absence of adverse effects. All patients received continuous stimulation and were followed for a minimum of 6 months to longer than 4 years. Outcome measures included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 item (HDRS), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the Global Assessment of Function Scale (GAF). Results: Significant improvements in depressive symptoms were observed during DBS treatment. Mean HDRS scores declined from 33.1 at baseline to 17.5 at 6 months and 14.3 at last follow-up. Similar improvements were seen with the MADRS (34.8, 17.9, and 15.7, respectively) and the GAF (43.4, 55.5, and 61.8, respectively). Responder rates with the HDRS were 40% at 6 months and 53.3% at last follow-up (MADRS: 46.7% and 53.3%, respectively). Remission rates were 20% at 6 months and 40% at last follow-up with the HDRS (MADRS: 26.6% and 33.3%, respectively). The DBS was well-tolerated in this group. Conclusions: Deep brain stimulation of the VC/VS offers promise for the treatment of refractory major depression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)267-275
Number of pages9
JournalBiological Psychiatry
Volume65
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 15 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Deep brain stimulation
  • efficacy
  • major depression
  • ventral capsule/ventral striatum

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biological Psychiatry

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