Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A State-of-the-Art Review

Depression is a common underdiagnosed, undertreated and costly mood disorder associated with substantial morbidity and mortality (1-3). It is related to the emotion of sadness or irritability and accompanied by several psycophysiological changes, such as disturbances in sleep, appetite or sexual desire; constipation; loss of the ability to experience pleasure in work or with friends; crying; suicidal thoughts; and slowing of speech and action (4-6). Approximately 5% of the population has major depression at any given time, with men experiencing a lifetime risk of 7%-12%; and women 20%-25% (3, 5).