Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Refractory Depression”

Authors: Kathleen Mary Patchan, MD

Abstract

Major depressive disorder is a chronic, disabling, and potentially life-threatening disorder that has a lifetime prevalence of 15% to 20%. A 2015 article published in Lancet evaluating the global burden of disease ranked major depressive disorder as the second leading cause of disability in 2013, contributing to 51,784 disability-years.1 Although various treatment modalities, including antidepressants, adjunctive medications, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy have been developed, many individuals continue to experience clinical symptoms and few experience complete remission.

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References

1. Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 301 acute and chronic diseases and injuries in 188 countries, 1990-2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Lancet 2015;386:743-800.
 
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