Uploaded June 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is emerging as a potential intervention for patients with highly treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Early, open-label studies supported the safety and potential efficacy of DBS for TRD but later randomized, controlled trials have yielded mixed results. This presentation reviews the history of DBS for TRD, with a specific focus on DBS of the subcallosal cingulate (SCC) – the technique that has been most studied to date. The results of key trials are critically evaluated, and recent research is presented that provides a potential direction for further study of this promising intervention.
ADAA is proud to offer resources for mental health professionals. Find additional tools and information:
- Visit the ADAA website: adaa.org/professionals
- View upcoming professional webinars and events: adaa.org/calendar
- Subscribe to ADAA’s bi-weekly professional newsletter: adaa.informz.net/adaa/pages/Insights_Subscribe_page
- Purchase ADAA's Patient Guide to Mood and Anxiety Disorders: ow.ly/9GGu50SJvBm
- The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a non-profit organization, leads in education, training, and research for anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, and co-occurring disorders. ADAA also provides free evidence-based mental health information and resources to the public.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is emerging as a potential intervention for patients with highly treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Early, open-label studies supported the safety and potential efficacy of DBS for TRD but later randomized, controlled trials have yielded mixed results. This presentation reviews the history of DBS for TRD, with a specific focus on DBS of the subcallosal cingulate (SCC) – the technique that has been most studied to date. The results of key trials are critically evaluated, and recent research is presented that provides a potential direction for further study of this promising intervention.
ADAA is proud to offer resources for mental health professionals. Find additional tools and information:
- Visit the ADAA website: adaa.org/professionals
- View upcoming professional webinars and events: adaa.org/calendar
- Subscribe to ADAA’s bi-weekly professional newsletter: adaa.informz.net/adaa/pages/Insights_Subscribe_page
- Purchase ADAA's Patient Guide to Mood and Anxiety Disorders: ow.ly/9GGu50SJvBm
- The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a non-profit organization, leads in education, training, and research for anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, and co-occurring disorders. ADAA also provides free evidence-based mental health information and resources to the public.
