Deep Brain Stimulation in Severe Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Deep Brain Stimulation in the Bed Nucleus of Stria Terminalis in Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Deep brain stimulation is an established treatment for movement disorders. New indications for deep brain stimulation are under investigation, among them severe and treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder. Here, the investigators investigate clinical outcomes, safety and mechanism of action of DBS in the BNST in a series of 11 participants with severe therapy-refractory OCD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Severe OCD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV
• YBOCS score of at least 25/40
• Disease duration of ≥5 years with persistent disabling symptoms despite adequate trials with at least 3 different serotonergic acting antidepressants, augmentation with antipsychotics, and CBT
• Only patients between 18 and 65 years of age who could understand and comply with instructions and provide their own written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current psychotic or substance abuse disorder
• Clinically significant medical disorder, or previous brain surgery