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Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Published on: January 7, 2019
Depression: a role for neurosurgery?
1Mood Disorders Unit, University Department of Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, High Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia. g.malhi@unsw.edu.au
This study reviews psychosurgery, focusing on stereotactic subcaudate tractotomy (SST) for treatment-resistant depression. Evidence suggests prefrontal cortex disruption impacts mood regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent mood disorder.
- Psychosurgery has evolved significantly over time.
- Treatment-resistant depression poses a clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and current status of psychosurgery.
- To detail stereotactic subcaudate tractotomy (SST) procedures.
- To explore the rationale for SST in treating resistant depression.
Main Methods:
- Review of psychosurgery history and techniques.
- Detailed description of stereotactic subcaudate tractotomy (SST).
- Analysis of neuropsychological, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging findings.
Main Results:
- Stereotactic subcaudate tractotomy (SST) is a current psychosurgical procedure.
- Neuroimaging and functional studies link prefrontal cortex to emotion.
- Disruption of prefrontal connections is associated with mood changes.
Conclusions:
- Psychosurgery, including SST, is a treatment option for severe depression.
- The prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in emotional processing.
- Understanding prefrontal cortex function informs psychosurgical interventions for mood disorders.
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