Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment Refractory PTSD

This is a phase I, non-blinded, non-randomized, pilot trial for safety and efficacy of deep brain stimulation for PTSD. A substantial number of individuals continue to experience PTSD symptoms despite appropriate medical treatment. In psychotherapy-based studies, over 30% of patients that completed a full course of treatment continue to meet criteria for PTSD. Response rates to treatment with SSRIs are usually no higher than 60%. This study would be the first exploration of a surgical therapy for refractory PTSD. The subgenual cingulate plays a role in mechanisms of this disorders and has been successfully targeted with DBS for the treatment of depression. The development of a therapy that targets brain structures known to play a role in this disease would be a substantial step forward in the treatment and understanding of these conditions.