Results from the first multi-center pilot study of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for major depressive disorder were published online today by the Journal of Neurosurgery. The study, conducted at three research facilities in Canada, was designed to replicate and build upon an earlier study by Dr. Andres Lozano and Dr. Helen Mayberg which was published in the journal Neuron in 2005. Sponsored by St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ), the study demonstrates significant improvement in depression symptoms among patients who are highly treatment resistant.
The results of the study showed that DBS therapy targeted to an area of the brain known as Brodmann Area 25 provided noticeable improvement in depression symptoms and increased overall quality of life in patients who typically don’t respond to treatment. The study enrolled 21 patients who on average had suffered from depression for 20 years, had tried in excess of 16 depression medications and were considered disabled or unable to work at the time of enrollment…
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