Biologjia Online

Previous work suggests that the subgenual cingulate area of the brain has an important role in major depression. This study reports the first use of chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) to modulate the activity of this brain region in depressed patients who have failed to respond to all other therapies. Mayberg et al. find that chronic stimulation of this area through implanted electrodes connected to a “pacemaker-like” pulse generator reverses overactive subgenual cingulate activity and normalizes other dysfunctional areas. The brain changes seen with stimulation are associated with striking clinical improvement in four of six patients. These results suggest that DBS can be used to treat depressed patients who are otherwise treatment resistant.