A study underway at the Foothills Medical Centre appears to be making a difference for some patients who suffer from depression by decreasing the severity.

Researchers are testing deep brain stimulation or DBS on patients who have not been able to find relief from depression using other forms of treatment.

“Deep brain stimulation has been effective in helping control tremors due to Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, but there has been little research to evaluate its effectiveness in people with treatment-resistant depression,” said Dr. Zelma Kiss, an AHS neurosurgeon and
co-principal investigator in the study.

Patients first undergo neurosurgery and have their brain activity analyzed to determine the best place to implant the electrodes. The brain-stimulating electrodes are then implanted in a specific area of the brain, called the subgenual cingulate region.

They then have a second surgery to insert a brain pacemaker under the skin of the chest which controls the electricity delivered to the electrodes.

The electrical impulses are thought to readjust the brain pathways involved in depression and are not felt by the patients who can turn off the device at any time.

Researchers say about half the people undergoing DBS will experience at least a 50 percent decrease in the severity of depression and for some depression will almost disappear.

“It doesn’t work for everyone but, for those who do see benefits, the improvements can be quite remarkable,” said Dr. Kiss, also an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences in the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine.

The scientists are looking to pinpoint the optimal level of stimulation to improve the therapy’s effectiveness and will follow participants for nine to 15 months.

So far, four patients have enrolled in the study and researchers are looking for another 20 to take part.

To be eligible, patients must have tried all other therapies for depression, such as at least four classes of anti-depressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive shock therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation.

“Usually the people eligible for deep brain stimulation will have suffered from major depression for decades,” said AHS psychiatrist Dr. Raj Ramasubbu, co-principal investigator in the study. “Often their depression is so debilitating that it affects every aspect of their lives. Family relationships suffer, work becomes impossible, and their overall quality of life is very poor.”

For more information, contact the study coordinator at 403-210-6905.