What Is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

If you’ve been living with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and haven’t found enough relief despite trying multiple treatments, you may have options. DBS is a medical procedure that involves electrically stimulating the brain to change its activity and relieve symptoms of a neuropsychiatric disorder. The surgery involves placing a thin metal electrode in the brain and attaching it to a pacemaker implanted under the skin in the chest below the collarbone.

DBS is a highly specialized treatment, considered only for a small group of patients after thorough evaluation. At Keck Medicine of USC, our USC Neuromodulation Program specialists will take the time to understand your full history. We’ll help you determine whether DBS, or another advanced treatment, is the right next step for you.

Could DBS Be Right for Me?

DBS may be an option for adults with severe, long-lasting OCD when standard treatments haven’t provided enough relief. It’s not a first-line treatment — we consider it only after we’ve tried multiple other approaches. You may be a candidate for evaluation if you are 18 years and older and have:

• Been diagnosed with OCD for at least five years
• Severe or very severe OCD
• Tried at least two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications, clomipramine and added antipsychotic medication, without experiencing enough improvement
• Completed proper cognitive behavioral therapy, including exposure and response prevention

Can DBS Help with Depression?

For treatment-resistant depression, DBS is still considered investigational. It is not a standard treatment for depression and is currently explored only in research settings and clinical trials. If you have treatment-resistant depression and wonder about research options, our team can help you understand your choices.

What Happens Before and After DBS Treatment?

Before we recommend DBS, you’ll go through a thorough psychiatric evaluation to make sure it’s the right option for you. If DBS is the right fit, treatment involves surgery to place the electrodes and implanted device. After, you’ll have ongoing follow-up care to monitor and adjust the stimulation over time. We stay involved with your care long after the implant.

What Are the Risks of DBS?

Adverse events associated with DBS can be related to the surgery, device complications or the effects of stimulation. These risks will be discussed in greater detail during your appointment with your neurosurgery and psychiatry teams.