Deep brain stimulation for treatment‐refractory obsessive‐compulsive disorder: psychopathological and neuropsychological outcome in three cases

• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2003.00066.x
• Publication Date: 2004-01-29T18:48:09Z
• Authors: L. Gabriëls; P. Cosyns; B. Nuttin; H. Demeulemeester; J. Gybels
• Keywords: Depression

Objective: Investigation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a last‐resort treatment alternative to capsulotomy in treatment‐refractory obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). Method: Prospective single‐case based design with evaluation DBS impact on emotions, behaviour, personality traits and executive function three patients OCD. Results: Two experienced sustained improvement OCD symptoms DBS. Yale‐Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale (Y‐BOCS) dropped 12 points 23 baseline Y‐BOCS self‐rating scale (Y‐BOCS‐SRS) Profile Mood States (POMS) for depression tension decreased increasing amplitude. Total Maladjustment Score the Brief Psychiatric Rating reduced 44 59% baseline. Reduction psychopathology was under continuous stimulation. No deleterious neuropsychological testing or measured self‐rated inventory detected. Conclusion: These preliminary findings demonstrate that may have important therapeutic benefits harmful side‐effects were detected during follow‐up (33/33/39 months, respectively).