Changing Minds: Area 25

Experimental Brain Surgery May Help The Severely Depressed

(CBS)  Eighteen million Americans suffer from major depression. Most of them are treated successfully with a combination of “talk therapy” and anti-depressant drugs. But millions of Americans – possibly as many as four million - are afflicted with what is known as “treatment-resistant” depression. For them, nothing works, not even electric shock treatments. They endure lives of debilitating sadness and some end up committing suicide.

But as correspondent Lesley Stahl reports, early results from an experiment in Canada have raised hopes for an answer to their suffering. It involves surgery on a region of our brains called Area 25. And, for the small group of patients who have signed up, the risks seem worth taking, because this is their last resort.

---

"It's kind of, for me, just a feeling of sadness, hopelessness, overwhelming," says 49-year-old Debra Prupas of Toronto. She was diagnosed with depression 15 years ago. It would seem that Debra had little to be depressed about, with a career as a high-level lawyer, a new husband, Bern Grush, and two daughters adopted from China.

"I call myself the great imposter," Prupas says. "I could fake my way through it. People - nobody knew. And then in the past few years, I've not been able to do that. I can't even get out of bed."

Debra has tried everything: numerous psychiatrists, anti-depressants: more than 30 different kinds, and a dozen electric shock treatments. Nothing worked.

Spending up to 18 hours a day in bed, Debra had to abandon her job, stop seeing friends and had thoughts of suicide. That left Bern taking care of her and the children.

"I'm just absent. I don't want to go out with my husband. I don't want to talk to – I withdraw," she says. She even withdraws from her daughters.

Coincidentally, at nearby Toronto Western Hospital, researchers had started a pilot study on a new treatment for people like Debra.

Studying the brain scans of severely-depressed patients, Dr. Helen Mayberg, the study’s lead neurologist, kept seeing that a small almond-shaped node was in over-drive.

"The area of the brain that was the most active was Area 25," Dr. Mayberg explains.

Area 25 – deep in the very center of our brains – is connected to other areas that control sleep, appetite and drive, all the things that go haywire when someone’s depressed. Mayberg’s theory is if you cool off area 25, you treat the disease.

She decided to try a technique called deep brain stimulation, that involves threading two thin electrodes through the brain, directly into Area 25 and stimulating it with continuous pulses of electricity from a pacemaker in order to jolt it back to normal.

Mayberg’s research partner, neurosurgeon Andreas Lozano, says it’s a far more targeted treatment than anti-depressants.

"The difference is, with antidepressants, that the 100 billion neurons in your brain get the drug. And here we estimate that we're affecting only a few hundred thousand neurons. And so, this is a surgical strike," he explains.

And like any brain surgery, there are risks, like stroke or infection.

[jdmmps]

Very interesting and would like to know what university the doctors are involved in

[michdoyle]

How do I sign up for clinical trails.
After sufering with depression all my life and having ECT treatments. I am ready for something to work..

[smurph01]

Hello-
Was curious....does anyone know the anti-depressants or other medications the two patients were taking in conjunction with the DBS operation?

Thanks.

[jdmmps]

What hospital is the trial involved with?

[dxmanagement]

There are other treatments that are currently being reviewed by the FDA that are NON-INVASIVE. These treatments use magnetic stimulation to treat major depressive disorder also. Canada and several other countries already permit the use of rTMS for the treatment of depression.

[brainstorm5]

I was very interested in your program about the new treatment for major depression. I myself have suffered from it at least since the age of ten, but I didn't find out what was wrong with me until my last year in medical school during my psychiatric rotation. About two years ago, I experienced another severe relapse, and in spite of using many drugs, sometimes in very high dosages and combinations, I am still just minimally "functioning". I had to close my medical practice and apply for social security disability. (I had been going downhill for so long that I have no benefits or savings to fall back on.) I have two young children, and essentially every bit of energy that I have is spent on them (which isn't much). Like one of the patients on your program, I am so fiercely independent and intelligent and others don't even suspect how sick I really am.

I have tried to keep up on any new breakthroughs and treatment for depression, but I admit the treatment on your show was new to me. I will definitely find out more.

Thank you...

Linda

[dxmanagement]

If you are having ECT treatments then rTMS may be an option in the future.

[cdbarker1]

Thank You for your story on depression,it was very interesting. I have suffered from this problem for 17 years. I am interested in getting more information on this procedure and possibly on the test studies that will be done in the U.S. I would very much like to participate in this test. I think that there should be more focus on the treatment of depression because I don't think there is enough information out there for this problem. There are alot of people with this problem and have ran out of options.

[jdmmps]

I looked up to see what university and/or hospital the procedures were being performed at and came up empty-any information would be appreciated

[sandins1]

I have TRD and was implanted with a VNS early this year and it is starting to work. This was approved by the FDA 7/2005 and is now being reviewed for Medicare approval--it has been used for epilepsy with FDA approval since, I think '98. I missed your program tonite, but my dad called after,because he had seen it and wondered if this was what I have. People need to know that the Vagus nerve Stimulator is FDA approved and thre for persons with TRD. Why aren't we hearing about this on 60 Minutes, Lesley Stahl?

[jkarst25]

I was only recently diagnosed with depression, but have been suffering from it for most of my life. The treatments I have tried so far have only helped minimally, and I would be very interested in getting involved in any research study that I could.

[kerryr69]

Ive been suffering with Depression since i was about 12 yrs. old and know iam 37. I would like to get all the information i can on this new treatment. I would like to know how i could be part of the studies. The meds have stop working with me, and i've tried the ECT with no sucess. please help. thank you

[labrador2006]

I was so moved by your show tonight. You gave me hope..There really is light at the end of the tunnel..I know it isn't 100% but to me there is still hope out there for people like me..
Thank you

Paulette

[kireira]

Are any studies being done in the US? I have suffered from depression as a young teen and I am now 42. I have tried so many drugs and combo's that I feel there is nothing left.

I am also trying to get the VNS but the psychiatrist said that if u have been on more than 7 anti-depresaants it will not work. I do not know where she got her information from.

So, I am in search of a new psychiatrist. If anyone has any answers please please post!

[barrymead]

I have had treatment resistant chronic suicidal depression for 20-years. I am disabled, and my life is completely miserable. Shock treatments, and medications don't help. How can I find out how to sign up for this kind of treatment? I am trying to hang in there, but I don't have much hope.
Barry Mead
Tempe, AZ

[zerocool5912]

I am a 22 year old young man and I have suffered with depression fro as long as I can remember, I tried suicide atleast a few times all leading me to a stay in ER sometimes hospitalized as well as many long stays in mental facilities. I have tried all anti depressions perscribed to a person with an addictive personality, I am out of options but this show proved to me there is hope, please, please if anyone has any info E-mail me at [e-mail], I cant seem to find a sign up sheet for this procedure.

[barrymead]

Please tell me how to sign up for the clinical trials. I am treatment resistant and very depressed.

[z88888z]

MY HUSBAND IS 73 AND ACCORDING TO HIS WORDS, HIS BRAIN IS KILLING HIM. HE SUFFERS FROM CHRONIC TRD- DEPRESSION/ANXIETY. HE HAS BEEN PRESCRIBED OVER TWENTY PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS WITH NO SUSTAINED HELP. HE HAD 32 ECT TREATMENTS WITH TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENT BUT HE HAS SLIPPED BACK INTO DEEP DPRESSION/ANXIETY. HE REFUSES ADDITIONAL ECT. OUR HMO, KAISER PERMANENTE IN SACRAMENTO, CA, HAS REFUSED TO PERFORM VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION ON HIM. THEY PUT A MORATOREUM ON THAT THERAPY. SUTTER HEALTH QUOTED $33,000 TO PERFORM VNS IF WE PAID OUT-OF-POCKET. UC DAVIS AGREED TO DO THE SURGERY FOR $59,000 TO $79,000 ON A FEE BASIS. BUT THEY WOULD REQUIRE US TO FIND A FACILITY TO DO THE MEASUREMENTS ELSEWHERE. MY HUSBAND IS A VETERAN BUT THE VA DOES NOT DO VNS. I WILL CONTINUE WITH APPEALS TO TRY TO GET VNS FOR HIM. AND, I WILL INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING HIM A CANDIDATE FOR AREA 25 STIMULATION.
I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO FOR HIM. HE IS LEFT TO SUFFER IN HIS OWN PRIVATE HELL YEAR AFTER YEAR. HE NEEDS HELP BUT ALL DOORS SEEM CLOSED. . HE NEEDS COMFORT AND SANITY. IS THAT ASKING TOO MUCH?
HOW CAN THE MEDICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC PROFESSIONS ALLOW SUCH INHUMANE TREATMENT?
IF ANYONE CAN PROVIDE ME WITH INFORMATION HOW I CAN GET MY HUSBAND LONG-OVERDUE PALLIATIVE CARE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HE'S DROWNING IN HIS OWN SNAKE PIT OF MENTAL TORMENT.

[z88888z]

I NEGLECTED TO POST MY EMAIL ADDRESS. IF ANYONE HAS INFORMATION THAT MIGHT HELP ME OBTAIN THERAPY FOR MY HUSBAND, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT:
[e-mail]

[sandins1]

To todldespair--------Keep trying to find a new MD-----there are many of us who are helped by this therapy----VNS and I have been on more than 10 antidepressants thru the yrs. I would say that your physician does not have current info. on t

he results of this therapy!! S Put VNS in your search and a case manager might be able to help with your area, I do not have any financial connection to the company.

[sandins1]

To find out more about VNS therapy, put in VNSdepression.com Herb's wife has a VNS and is doing well!!

[r565138666]

I am ben depressed for 40 year,a RN and a med school drop out,4 kids,to many hospitalizations to remember starting at 16.I was molested from 3 to 15 and a stranger tried to strangle me and raped me in front of my 2 year old. I have had cancer several times. What do I have to live for I tell myself.I hate myself.I hate life.I am drug resistant.ECT so many times has given me brain injury and memory lossIs there any kind soul out there willing to help? I beg I plead..I would give anything! I gave 20 some years to healthcare field delivering babies and sick/dying kids please,please, please I pray, not for me but my kids.it is not fair to have a mom in bed AND NOT SHOWER OR GO ANYWHERE or have friends over.it breaks my heart..but what am I to do...I will give my right arm,my corneas, anything, voulnter work,teach lamaze again,,anything..just make me function. Is there any Dr with a soft spot for me in their heart..703-541-2149. they won't be sorry. I used to be the most kind giving person on earth Now I am a vegetable...thanks Roberta

[francierose-2009]

Please, I would like to be in the trials for the treatment of depression you described tonight on 60 Minutes.

Please get me in touch with the persons who can make this decision, This would be a Godsend for me.
my name is Frances Rose, address, 3405 Erickson St. C-7, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
Phone [phone], Thank you!!!

[greenwonder-2009]

I heard no mention of nutrition in the story. Many can't believe it, but what you eat is a large determiner of who you are, how you feel, your energy level, etc. Anyone who suffers from depression could start by simply removing white sugar and corn syrup/high fructose corn syrup from their diet IMMEDIATELY. Switch to maple syrup, RAW (not processed) honey, and/or agave nectar which are all very tasty. Next I would highly recommend a detox diet/cleanse then working into a whole foods diet with no processed or refined food. Next, exercise. I realize this all sounds difficult to people with serious depression, but it must be included as part of the attempt. I have a new life now through natural means. If you want to contact me, feel free: [e-mail]

[rockstarztv]

Dear Leslie,

On June 4, 1994 I was mountain climbing and fell
over 30 feet. I was in a coma with post-hematoma syndrome (bleeding of the brain). Since then I have seen many Dr.'s and Psychiatrist for post concussion and presently have post traumatic syndrome. I am a veteran of the US Army and the government has also diagnosed me with post-tramtic syndrome. I was a successful young college graduate at the time of the accident, but since then I must say life has had its ups and downs. Dr. Hosapian, my VA psychiatrist has said that I have massive depression. My Kaiser Dr. at the time of the accident told me that I should not go back to work in 1995, but I tried and have lost many jobs due to my condition.
My question to you is can I be a candidate for the treatment you aired on Sundays 60 minutes?
I do not like taking the pills that Dr.'s consistently give me with no recovery to the problems I have.
Please help me and or give me the contacts to become a candidate for research.
This was quite a story you did and I commend you on your reporting of this incredible phenomenon.
It could be the answer to many War Veterans who suffer from the same symstoms I do!
Again great story!
Dan Johnston

[jyll2]

to greenwonder...i am a believer in good nutrition and eliminating as many chemicals and chemically processed foods as possible from your diet. But please, you need more education on depression. These people are not suffering from severe depression because they have too much processed sugar in their diet. This is a debilitating form of the DISEASE. While I think nutrition is very important, you can't argue with the brain scans nor with the results that these people have gotten. I have seen another program on this same process and those people interviewed were also sooo much better off than they were before the operation and their quality of life has improved immensely! Please educate yourself a little more before recommending something as simple as nutritional changes, that should be step one, not your last resort. Once again, proving the old adage, a little knowledge is dangerous....

[paulrieker]

1976 my mother committed suicide
in 30 days in 1984 a gentleman cleared my severe depression in less than 30 days.

The techniques used allowed the Anger and Fear, embedded in the subconscious without human language to become identified and desensitized.

The specific techniques are not widely known today.

I'd love to share this story with you.

Paul Rieker
www.BlessYourThoughts.com

[blord21]

I've read many of the other comments, and I'll not waste any time with the gory details. I have been treated by psychiatrists for 30 years. I have been on just about every antidepressant there is. I lie on my bed (on dirty sheets) all day and night watching TV with my two cats. I used to be really engaged in life, but I'm just too tired to fight anymore. I watch my life spiraling out of control... and think about dying every day. I can't do my laundry. I don't shower. I go shopping once a week for food for me and the kitties -- and cat litter. My little apartment is a mess. My car is falling apart, as is my body from lack of activity and caring by others. (Even my own children have given up on me.)

I would give ANYTHING to be included in the upcoming U.S.trials. Is there anyone out there who could get me information?

PLEASE HELP. I am desperate to have a life for the little time I have left.

Bonnie
[e-mail]

[mulaca1]

I read the interesting article reported by Lesley Stahl on a revelutionary technique to address severe mental illness. I was shocked that so many people are affected by depression and cannot be treated by medication. The disease obviously affects so many others who watch their loved ones struggle everyday to combat this debilitating illness. These people are doubly victimized by the illness itself and by the fact that they are so stigmatized by a society that does not understand this illness. This new treatment will hopefully be used more often in appropriate situations so that more people like the nurse in your story can be treated successfully and allowed to live fuller lives.

[callieebbie]

For those of you interested in the segment regarding depression and the brain surgery,I saw a program on another network several weeks ago where they performed a similar surgery. I believe it is still in the experimental stages. It was performed at the Cleveland Clinic and another hospital in Florida. I went to the networks Web site immediately after the program but was unable to find any information. Not only is the operation frightening and the device implanted in your chest, but imagine another person in control of the computer device which controls a portion of your brain even though he or she is a doctor. After years and years of drugs, doctors, and desperation I am very interested in this surgery.

[carriebr]

I feel your pain, so deep within me, I cry for you all. It makes me so sad to think there are so many of you out there who have to suffer like this. If I could take it all from you and be the only one to suffer, I would. I didn't know there were more of us. I will pray for all of you! Everyday. For so long I have not cried but I can't seem to stop now. I am so sorry for you all, I am so sorry for us all. Help us all!
[e-mail]

[gryphonder]

My family has a long history of mental illness. My maternal grandfather died in a mental institution. My Mother struggled with severe depression for as long as I could remember. She was in and out of mental institutions, tried several times to commit suicide, drank herself into a stupor every night, saw psychiatrists, had shock treatments, took all kinds of drugs, and nothing worked. I started having major depressive episodes when I was 7. I started seeing psyciatrists in my early 20's. I finally started taking antidepressants about 10 years ago, but I still get severely depressed.It is sheer will power that gets me up to go to work and take care of my children. My 15 year daughter is being treated for depression and anxiety. I understand why my mother tried to end her life so many times. Death is the sweet temptation that must be resisted every day. It didn't occur to me that the depression would get worse as the years went by. When I was younger I could cover it better and snap out of it quicker. Now it lasts longer, and I never feel really recovered. I consider this to be one of the most debilitating and hopeless diseases. I have had cancer and was told I would probably die. Depression has been far worse for me. I pray that an effective treatment for all people afflicted with this disorder becomes available in the near future. I don't want my daughter to suffer as I have, as her grandmother before me, and her great grandfather have.

[smiley101161]

I have been depression since I was a little girl. I don't have much of a life. I have family members commit suicide. 5 months ago my uncle kill himself because of depression. I have try so many different medication and nothing works. Please help me. I want to feel human. I want to know what it is like to want to live in peace sometimes.
Please e-mail me [e-mail]
Please help me.

[tchii-2009]

the therapist, pschyologist, pschyitrist-and drug companies and the rest must be shaking in their boots. THE DRUGS ONLY HELP, ONLY HELP THE DISEASE AT ABOUT 25-30%. THE DRUGS ONLY BOOST U UP A LEVEL, IF U ARE LUCKY. THEY DO NOT MAKE MANY FEEL NORMAL. IF THIS WORKS, A LOT OF DOCS. R GOING TO HAVE TO SELL THEIR BMW'S. SOME DOCS. HAVE VESTED INTEREST(MONEY) TO SEE THIS FAIL. EVEN, FAMILY PRACTICE DOCS. GET ABOUT 1/3 OF THEIR PATIENCE FROM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY. THEY WILL BE LOSING MONEY. NO WONDER THIS FIRST APPEARED NATIONALLY FROM CANADA. THOSE WONDERFUL U.S. DOCTORS. FOLLOW THE MONEY.

[jfploeg-2009]

Dear Ms. Stahl

A very interesting report on a possible treatment for depression. In the report it was mentioned that they had tried everything to help their condition. However, I did not hear any mention of NUTRITION. Most if not all conditions of depression and anxiety are related to nutritional deficiencies.

I suggest your staff research the work of Orthomolecular Medicine specialists like Dr. Abram Hoffer. Or look into the messages of Jefffrey S. Bland, PhD, and many other Nutritional Biochemists out there. Also listen to the taped broadcast program by Mr. Jay D. Foster at

http://1800chemist.com/HealthConnection/taped/05-06-04.ram

His Home pages is http://1800chemist.com/HealthConnection/index.html

There are routine analyses that can establish the nutritional needs that will address the specifics of the problem for each individual. It is sad to see people suffering unnecessarily.

A follow up 60 Minutes segment, telling the %u201Cwhole story%u201D would be in order.

Sincerely,

Johan F. Ploeg

[peace0000]

1)It would be great if it works
2)It will save the government and insurance companys a lot of money

3)It will put alot of people back in the work force
4) It will put a lot of psychology people out of work
5) When you take away a persons survival drives, (as in todays society) they become depressed. They need to be in control of thier own desinty and future.

[vipaka]

I commend Leslie Stahl for believing that those of us who suffer from depression deserve to be brought to the fore in this world. Now our truth is open and bare. We're empty people, ready to be filled. And because we have walked through these shoes we have greater understanding for others. We can put ourselves in another's place and see and feel what they do. Living in depression is, like tell me where I am, so I know where to go. I've been waiting for someone to make me feel alive again.

[squirrel5911]

Hello,
My name is Phil. I have had depression and bipolar disorders for atleast 10 years but that is when I was diagnosed with it. My doctors think I had it much longer than that. I saw this story last night and all I could think of is to give my life to get that operation. I am trying to get SSI but as I am sure alot of people know the government doesn't see depression or many maybe even any mental illness as a disability. The government sees us as lazy people wanting to get out of work and that is how we feel when we can't work. I litterally cannot get up and leave my apartment. I sleep in surplus of 14hrs a day and that is if I sleep. My entire family suffers from depression and over 11 people on my moms side of the family have atttempted suicide and 3 succeded. I have tried countless times and all I want to do is die. I feel there is no point to life. I have been on over 20 different drugs and nothing works. All I want is to be a normal contributing citizen working like everyone else. But, what people don't understand is how hard it is for us. I am asking you guys if there is any way I can get to be a part of this new medicine? I will give anything to be a test subject. I would give every limb and organ I could just to be a part of it, hell I would give my life too. Please help me. I beg you.
[e-mail]
Please help.

[edysmom]

i also am desparate for help. i am "treament resistant" as well, along with the meds i have had ect. my existence has become a literal hell on earth. is there anything in the states yet, even experimental? our community of people who do not respond to the present protocol of treatment need help and acknowlegement. edysmom @ [e-mail]

[scott19632]

Overall I thought the story was very well done
and brought light to efforts being made in the
treatment of severe untreatable depression.
I would have preferred Ms. Stahl ended the story
with Dr. Mayberg who not only discovered area 25
but instructed the surgeon where to put the DBS.
Since the surgeon is neither a Psychiatris or Neurologist
and was only involved because he was at the University
it seems odd to have him discussing patient care.
One other oversight was the mentioning of Medtronics.
While the research did use a Medtronics stimulator there
involvement ended there. The Medtronic trial involves a
different part of the brain other than Area 25 and have yet
published in the scientific community a paper that shows
the success rate of Dr. Maybergs work in Area 25. Since
Medtronics is a publicly traded company it seems a correction
is inorder and the mentioning of them along with a still shot
of there corporate headquarters a mistake.

[t_end]

It is nice to know that surgery could help. I have only tried one medication, but the side effects of it have been with me a few months short of a year. However, nowhere in this article is it mentioned how much such a surgery would cost. Also it is doubtful most insurance companies would pay for such an operation. Since they consider only pyschical illness to be a disease.

[myradale]

Hello:
I am a 67 year old Jewish, female nana, originally from The Bronx.
My resistent to treatment depression has influenced the quality of my life since college, when I experienced my first episode.
For the next 40 years, I used the following approach to the condition:
1. the primary attack was psychotherapy, even 4 years of psychoanalysis. Coming from a highly dysfunctional family - filled with depression, neuroses, schizophrenia, suicide and physical violence - I was sure I could overcome my situation thru reliving the endless triggers that were my growing up life story.
I finally, reluctantly ended talk therapy when I had to call my psychiatrist from Princeton House to cancel my next appt.
2. The secondary attack was thru medicine. My husband,was a research scientist at J&J, was deeply commited to this modality of treatment. I tried every pill on the market, many times over time. No difference.
3. Today 's mode of treatment? ECT maintenance therapy at Uof Penn. in combination with a healing lifestyle that includes
4. Yoga, Meditation, Exercise and Sports, respectible eating habits, and moderation.
I'm glad you see fit to include new advances in the treatment of Depression as a worthy topic for 60 Minutes. We still have such a long way to go in treatment and even the identification of symptoms associated with Depression.
Keep up the good work!

[october1929]

Dear Ms. Stahl,

You did a terrific report about a very complicated subject and surgical procedure. You asked good scientific, business and human questions.

Viewers should be aware that there is a new FDA approved neurostimulation procedure for severe or chronic depression called vagus nerve stimulation. The ninety-minute out-patient procedure is not related to brain surgery or shock treatments. It has been proven to be highly effective in patients with the most treatment-resistant form of depression.

Depression sufferers should be asking their psychiatrists about vagus nerve stimulation, which is readily available in the United States.

[rsaab]

I am quite interested in your story on the Transcranial magnetic stimulation. I am writing from Johns Hopkins Hospital where I'm a patient being treated for depression and bipolar disorder. In the beginning of my stay here September 5 - 20, I was exposed to 6 ECT treatments which hekped my mood but sent me into a slight mania. I am still here trying different cmedicines and combinations.

Watching your story got me and most of the other inpatients really excited. Some were talking about hospitals in the U.S. that were already conducting the surgery...that part I couldn't find in your story on the web. Do you have that information? I am definitely interested in performing this surgery as I am sick and tired of feeling like someone hit me on the head and experiencing life as if I have glue on the soles of my shoes slowing me down in everyhing I try to do.

Waiting for your response

Rabab
301-535-0757
6729 Mink Court - Waldorf, MD 20603

Note: Can I get a ttranscript or a video of the story?

[robmeg11]

PART 1 OF 3
I am sorry I don't have the time to respond to this with the forethought and time it deserves. I have treatment resistant depression, anxiety disorder, & panic attacks. I%u2019ve been on at least 16 different meds (multiple times & combinations), I have had 12 ECT treatments that kind of helped, but gave me so much anx&panic that I actually became depressed again. I was desperate and certainly suicidal (prior to and after) ECT. I looked long and hard into Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). It sounded great, at first. I slowly became aware of its LOW success rate (33% partial recovery after 1 year & 2-3% chance of full recovery).

[robmeg11]

PART 2 OF 3
Also, VNS can cause some pretty severe side effects. The side effects are not all listed in the official literature because there have been so few controlled studies. I learned of the unpublished side effects from a phone conference sponsored by the manufacturer of the VNS device. There were real patients %u201Cunscripted%u201D at the end of the call. One had SEVERE pain (uncontrolled), many had trouble swallowing or constant cough or their voice was permanently at a whisper volume, etc... I was going to get the VNS surgery done anyway. There were so few doctors that will even touch this treatment with a ten-foot-pole (I am talking about doctors in the military who gain nothing by doing or not doing this procedure). Most said they wouldn't do the surgery because of the low success rate and that they were concerned that their patients would be so disappointed that they would commit suicide, and that the only surgeries they do are on those who are pretentious about the success VNS offers. I told them that the 2% chance was worth the risk.

[robmeg11]

PART 3 OF 3
I ended up with an unplanned pregnancy which halted the process of having VNS surgery. Now that I have 5 more months to consider VNS, I am really scared about the side effects. That is why I was so excited to see the 60 minutes report on DBS & area 25, as it seems like it has the same goal as VNS but skips the step that causes the side effects and goes right to the source of the problem. I think I will wait for future discoveries in the treatment of depression. Unless, of course, my depression returns fully after my baby is born. Suicide doesn't sound good to me as a solution. Please DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH on all the treatments available. There is a lot of new stuff out there, and more coming.
Take Care All!

[blenheims4]

I don't remember feeling hopeless as a child. We travelled to artists' colonies in Europe, and the
inate eccentricites of my parents 'friends probably masked many things. At 16, during my first year at GU, I attempted suicide' and was treated by Kalinowski with EST. I did graduate, but from then, by turns, I was in the hospital or somewhat active outside. Sleep, family suicides,pills...treatment resistant depression... thus, I now go on. I would really like
to try the DBS, as it is very difficult to endure this sadness. I did go for a VNS interview,but was rejected because I cycle to rapidly.
I would like to thank 60 minutes and Leslie Stahl
for presenting such a sensitive and well written
report.The subsequent comments only begin to reflect the enormity of this problem.

[vipaka]

Wonder if this new treatment works on post traumatic stress flashbacks? Or does anything else work?

[marsha3433]

Hello,
I've been treated for major depression for over 20 years, I would be very interested in participating in the clinical trials for deep brain stimulation here in the US. Do you have any contacts for this program? If so , please email them to me, or post a link.
hopeful in Texas