Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment Resistant Depression (H-40307)

A Clinical Pilot Study Examining Bilateral Inhibition of the Lateral Habenula as a Target for Deep Brain Stimulation in Intractable Depression

Baylor Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is currently seeking participants for a research study assessing the safety and preliminary efficacy of a neurosurgical intervention, deep brain stimulation (DBS), for treatment-resistant depression. The procedure involves implanting electrodes into an area of the brain called the lateral habenula to see if electrical stimulation to this area can help control symptoms of depression that do not respond to other treatments.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
• Are 21-70 years of age
• Have a diagnosis of either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder I
• Have failed to respond to at least three different treatments for your depression or bipolar disorder
• Have failed to respond to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

You cannot participate if you:
• Have schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, bulimia or anorexia
• Have a significant personality disorder or neurological disease
• Have alcohol and/or substance abuse
• Are pregnant

Study participation could be about 18 months and includes:
• A screening visit
• A baseline visit (prior to first surgery)
• Two inpatient surgeries
• Follow-up visits (twice a week for the first eight weeks after second surgery and then monthly up to month 18)

All study procedures, including devices, surgeries and follow up psychiatric assessments will be provided at no cost to you. Participants will be reimbursed for their participation to cover time, travel and parking expenses.

For more information, or to see if you qualify, please contact the study coordinator at (713) 798-4729 or email gsvogt@bcm.edu.