Long-term neuropsychological safety of subgenual cingulate gyrus deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2014 Apr 1;26(2):126-33. doi: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.12110287.

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subgenual cingulate gyrus (SCG) is a promising investigational intervention for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but long-term outcome data are limited. Serial neuropsychological evaluations, using a comprehensive battery, were conducted on four subjects with TRD prior to surgery, and up to 42 months post-operatively. Reliable change methodology suggested general stability and/or select statistically reliable improvement in cognitive abilities over time. This is the first known set of multi-year neuropsychological follow-up data for SCG DBS for TRD. Observed improvements are likely attributable to reduced depressive symptomatology, recovery of functional capacities, and/or specific practice effects of repeated assessment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gyrus Cinguli / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Treatment Outcome