Psychiatrische indikationen für die tiefe hirnstimulation

A substantial number of patients suffering from severe neuropsychiatric disorders do not respond to conventional therapeutic approaches. Results from functional neuroimaging research have led to novel putative strategies. Recently, one of these methods, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been applied in selected patient with major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In this article, reasons for the use of DBS in psychiatry are discussed. Also, the selection of different targets for major depression and OCD are described. First results have demonstrated that DBS might be able to modulate dysfunctional neural networks in both major depression and OCD. In the actual state of research, DBS can be considered as a valuable therapy option for therapy-resistant patients.