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.

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.

Long-term Effects of DBS on OCD

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.

Michigan State University

Like most neurosurgeries, this type of surgery to treat OCD can be effective. However, it has the potential to cause unintentional side effects that can dramatically alter a person's brain, sometimes permanently. Therefore, some researchers have worked on longitudinal studies to see what effect this surgery has on patient's quality of life.

Long-Term Effect of Neurosurgery to treat OCD

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

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