Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an advanced neuromodulation treatment under investigation for severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. DBS involves surgically implanting electrodes into specific brain regions implicated in mood and behavior, delivering continuous, adjustable electrical stimulation to modulate dysfunctional neural circuits.
DBS is considered one of the most sophisticated interventions in psychiatry and is reserved for carefully selected patients with chronic, disabling illnesses that have not responded to extensive prior treatments.
At the UTHealth Houston Center for Interventional Psychiatry, DBS reflects the Center’s commitment to cutting-edge research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the responsible development of next-generation psychiatric treatments.
Who May Be Appropriate for DBS
DBS may be considered for highly selected patients who:
- Have severe, chronic, and treatment-resistant psychiatric illness
- Have failed multiple medication trials, psychotherapy, and other interventional treatments
- Experience persistent functional impairment despite comprehensive care
- Are appropriate candidates for investigational or research-based interventions
- Can engage in intensive evaluation, long-term follow-up, and monitoring
Eligibility for DBS is determined through a rigorous, multidisciplinary evaluation, and treatment is typically offered within the context of clinical trials or specialized research protocols.
Treatment Process
DBS treatment involves several stages:
- Comprehensive psychiatric, neurologic, and medical evaluation
- Surgical implantation of electrodes into targeted brain regions, connected to an implanted pulse generator
- Postoperative recovery followed by programming and optimization of stimulation parameters
- Ongoing adjustment of settings to maximize benefit and minimize side effects
DBS delivers continuous neuromodulation, and stimulation parameters can be adjusted over time based on clinical outcomes.
Expected Benefits and Timeline
The therapeutic effects of DBS:
- Typically develop gradually over weeks to months
- May continue to improve with ongoing optimization
- Are intended to provide sustained symptom reduction rather than rapid relief
Because of its complexity and delayed onset of benefit, DBS is considered a long-term treatment strategy rather than an acute intervention.
Safety and Monitoring
DBS is a neurosurgical procedure that carries inherent risks associated with surgery and implanted devices. Potential risks and side effects may include:
- Surgical complications
- Stimulation-related mood or behavioral changes
- Hardware-related issues requiring adjustment or revision
Patients are monitored closely by a multidisciplinary team, and all potential risks, benefits, and alternatives are reviewed in detail before participation.
Integration With Academic and Clinical Care
DBS is not offered as a standalone clinical service. It is integrated with:
- Ongoing psychiatric care and medication management
- Psychotherapy and functional rehabilitation, when appropriate
- Long-term outcome monitoring and research oversight
Through DBS and other advanced neuromodulation strategies, the Center aims to contribute to the scientific advancement of psychiatry and expand future treatment options for patients with the most severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric illnesses.