Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression Using Directional Current Steering, Individualized Network Targeting (H-43036)

The purpose of this study is to look for new ways to treat Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Major depression has a lifetime prevalence of ~15 percent across developed countries. Up to a third of patients fail to respond adequately to evidence-based treatments, including pharmacological, behavioral, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). For the most severe cases, neurosurgery (surgery in the brain), is a possible option.

Patients with treatment-resistant depression may benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a neurosurgical technique where small electrodes are implanted into the brain and provide electrical stimulation to help control depression symptoms.

Participation could be up to 18 months and involves: a screening visit, two baseline visits, two surgeries with a 10-day inpatient monitoring period in between post-operative visits to record and program the DBS device and follow up visits. Participants will be compensated for their time.

See NCT listing.

Site: Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX) and University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

Study Doctor/Principal Investigator:

Sameer Sheth, M.D., Ph.D. and Wayne Goodman, M.D. (BCM)
Nader Pouratian, M.D., Ph.D. (UCLA)

Study Contacts:

BCM Site: Victoria Pirtle
Phone: (713) 798-1717
Email: Victoria.pirtle@bcm.edu

UCLA site: Alison Reinholtz
Phone: (310) 267-4331
Email: areinholtz@mednet.ucla.edu