DBS treatment for OCD involves surgically implanting electrodes to alter neuron activity. The exact brain region that needs to be stimulated is debated, but this process  stays constant for this treatment method.

Michigan State University

Neurosurgery for OCD should only be used when all other treatment methods have been exhausted. Patients who have failed to respond to previous treatment are often diagnosed as having treatment-resistant OCD (trOCD). In these cases, neurosurgery may be necessary.

When Neurosurgery for OCD is most Appropriate

Winter, Lotta, Saryyeva, Assel, Schwabe, Kerstin, Heissler, Hans, Runge, Joachim, Alam, Mesbah, Heitland, Ivo, Kahl, Kai, Krauss, Joachim. (2021) Long-Term Deep Brain Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Outcome and Quality of Life at Four to Eight Years Follow-Up. Neuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface, Vol 24, Issue No. 2, 324-330. https://doi.org/10.1111/ner.13232

Long-Term Deep Brain Stimulation in
Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder: Outcome and Quality of Life at Four
to Eight Years Follow-Up

Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS) for OCD

One particular study followed the progress of six patients who had routine checkups with a neurosurgeon and psychiatrists to monitor their progress and make changes as necessary. Ultimately, 4 out of 6 patients showed a reduction of OCD symptoms and an overall increase in quality of life. This shows that DBS can be effective, but further research with a larger sample size will likely be necessary.

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