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Contemporary Role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Psychiatric Disorders
Nishanth Sadashiva1, Manjul Tripathi2, Antonio De Salles3
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Neurology India
|April 7, 2023
Summary
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers a safe and effective treatment for refractory psychiatric disorders like OCD and depression. This neurosurgical approach improves patient quality of life when other therapies fail.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Psychiatry
- Radiosurgery
Background:
- Psychiatric disorders represent a significant global health challenge with limited treatment options.
- Neurosurgical interventions, including stimulation and disconnection procedures, show efficacy for refractory cases.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is emerging as a viable treatment for specific psychiatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the contemporary role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) in treating psychiatric disorders.
- To examine the historical context of psychosurgery and its evolution.
- To detail the application of SRS for conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, and anorexia nervosa.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical psychosurgery and current SRS applications.
- Analysis of SRS efficacy in reducing psychiatric symptoms like compulsions, obsessions, depression, and anxiety.
- Evaluation of SRS safety profile and reproducibility.
Main Results:
- SRS has demonstrated successful outcomes in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, and anorexia nervosa.
- Procedures significantly improve patient quality of life with a favorable safety profile.
- SRS is a cost-effective, reproducible adjuvant therapy for selected patients with limited options.
Conclusions:
- Stereotactic radiosurgery is a valuable treatment alternative for refractory psychiatric disorders.
- SRS offers hope for patients with no other therapeutic avenues.
- These neurosurgical procedures complement existing medical and behavioral treatments.
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