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Deep brain stimulation in neuropsychiatric disorders

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Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and internal globus pallidus has been put forth as an alternative to surgical ablation for the treatment of movement disorders. In this paper, the authors discuss the history and putative physiologic mechanisms underlying DBS of these target regions. The authors then review empirical findings pertaining to the effects of DBS on neurological symptoms, cognitive functioning, and psychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, the disorders for which the procedure has been most extensively applied. Finally, emerging and potential novel areas of application of DBS for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and symptoms are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychiatry, Radiology, and Neurosurger, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, 03756-0001, Lebanon, NH, USA

    Robert M. Roth PhD, Laura A. Flashman PhD, Andrew J. Saykin PsyD & David W. Roberts MD

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  1. Robert M. Roth PhD
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  4. David W. Roberts MD
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Roth, R.M., Flashman, L.A., Saykin, A.J. et al. Deep brain stimulation in neuropsychiatric disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 3, 366–372 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-996-0028-9

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