Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression
To what lengths would you be willing to go to rid yourself of major depression? Have you tried every possible solution or do you advocate for or know others who have? Personally, I still have some therapies to test out before I can say that I have truly tried them all, but there are moments of desperation. There are times when it feels like I have been going at this, living life with depression, for so long that I am left wondering...”what else is there to try?”
There honestly are quite a few therapies available for treatment of depression. And usually, with an often well-integrated approach, even the most severe cases find relief. But for a percentage of those suffering from major depression, or major depressive disorder, they continue to suffer, despite aggressive and comprehensive treatment.
Often considered a final effort is ECT, (electroconvulsive or electric shock therapy), but now advances take things one step further. It may not be too long before brain surgery is a real option. This has been in the works for years, but as time passes, follow-up information becomes more available from patients who have undergone the new procedures and further research is done. One of the procedures that has had my interest for at least a couple of years now is called Deep Brain Stimulation.
I was first made aware of DBS when “60 Minutes” aired a story about it in 2006. Deep Brain Stimulation involves stimulating and regulating an area of the brain known as Area 25. Studying brain scans resulted in a recognition that this area of the brain seemed to be in over-drive in those experiencing severe depression. This procedure “involves threading two thin electrodes through the brain, directly ....” A “pacemaker “is implanted and worn at all times, as continuous pulses are required for the desired effect.
The studies and procedures have gained interest and research continuous to be done, now throughout Canada and the United States, perhaps elsewhere, too. This procedure, and ones like it, are still very much in the experimental stage. Strict guidelines dictate who is eligible to participate.
Would you consider going to this length to help alleviate the symptoms of severe depression? Is there talk in your community about these procedures?
I have to admit, I am intrigued and very interested to see what the research unfolds. Some of these procedures sound promising. As a person living with depression and having contended with it for almost 20 years now, my hopes are lifted by the continued efforts to learn more about how our brains work and how to help those suffering.
Articles I have referenced or read regarding this topic:
Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression:
An exper...r, M.D.
Changing Minds: Area 25
Surgery for Depression? Yup.
Brain Implant Offers Hope for Severely Depressed
Surgery for Mental Ills Offers Both Hope and Risk
There honestly are quite a few therapies available for treatment of depression. And usually, with an often well-integrated approach, even the most severe cases find relief. But for a percentage of those suffering from major depression, or major depressive disorder, they continue to suffer, despite aggressive and comprehensive treatment.
Often considered a final effort is ECT, (electroconvulsive or electric shock therapy), but now advances take things one step further. It may not be too long before brain surgery is a real option. This has been in the works for years, but as time passes, follow-up information becomes more available from patients who have undergone the new procedures and further research is done. One of the procedures that has had my interest for at least a couple of years now is called Deep Brain Stimulation.
I was first made aware of DBS when “60 Minutes” aired a story about it in 2006. Deep Brain Stimulation involves stimulating and regulating an area of the brain known as Area 25. Studying brain scans resulted in a recognition that this area of the brain seemed to be in over-drive in those experiencing severe depression. This procedure “involves threading two thin electrodes through the brain, directly ....” A “pacemaker “is implanted and worn at all times, as continuous pulses are required for the desired effect.
The studies and procedures have gained interest and research continuous to be done, now throughout Canada and the United States, perhaps elsewhere, too. This procedure, and ones like it, are still very much in the experimental stage. Strict guidelines dictate who is eligible to participate.
Would you consider going to this length to help alleviate the symptoms of severe depression? Is there talk in your community about these procedures?
I have to admit, I am intrigued and very interested to see what the research unfolds. Some of these procedures sound promising. As a person living with depression and having contended with it for almost 20 years now, my hopes are lifted by the continued efforts to learn more about how our brains work and how to help those suffering.
Articles I have referenced or read regarding this topic:
Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression:
An exper...r, M.D.
Changing Minds: Area 25
Surgery for Depression? Yup.
Brain Implant Offers Hope for Severely Depressed
Surgery for Mental Ills Offers Both Hope and Risk
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