March 2020: Efficacy of Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Executive Editor Michael Roy speaks with Damiaan Denys, M.D., Ph.D., and Ilse Graat, M.D., about their research on the tolerability and effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). What characterizes OCD, and how widespread is it? [2:35] What treatment with DBS involves [4:07] Outline of study methods [6:25] Why the part of the brain studied is relevant for DBS, and description of the scales used to measure how well the treatment worked [7:54] Main findings with regard to response of OCD symptoms in patients who received DBS [10:51] Discussion of adverse events [12:40] Implications of the work for researchers, clinicians, and other mental health professionals [14:54] What further studies should explore with regard to treatment with DBS [15:43] Be sure to let your colleagues know about the podcast, and please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you listen to it. Subscribe to the podcast here. Listen to other podcasts produced by the American Psychiatric Association. Browse articles online. Also visit the online edition of this month’s Journal to watch a video of Deputy Editor Daniel S. Pine, M.D., present highlights from the issue. Follow the Journal on Twitter. E-mail us at [email protected]