[Deep brain stimulation: a review on current research]

Abstract

Recently Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has found continuous use in treatment of neurological movement disorders. However DBS in psychiatric illnesses is less investigated. Its application in depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and therapy-resistant Tourette- Syndrome shows positive effects and offers an advanced alternative to neurosurgical therapies of the past. There are also case reports suggesting therapeutic benefits in schizophrenia and addiction. To a large extent, the mechanisms of action appear to be still unknown; the side effects seem partially modulated through the stimulation parameters. Furthermore, some ethics committees argue that DBS exhibits a relevant impact on the personality. The novel approach as well as the unknown long term effects of DBS implicate that the technique can be performed only under strict individual diagnosis and rigorous consideration of all ethical concerns.