Deep Brain Stimulation as a Potential Treatment for OCD in Adolescents

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition marked by recurring intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. While DBS has been successful in treating tremors and Parkinson's disease in adults, its effectiveness for treating OCD in adults is still under investigation. The use of DBS for children and adolescents with severe OCD is not common due to potential long-term improvements without the need for DBS and the lack of solid evidence supporting its efficacy. A study showed that a majority of respondents were open to considering DBS as a potential treatment option for adolescents with severe OCD, especially in cases involving suicidal thoughts. However, safety concerns and assurance of substantial improvements weighed heavily in their decision-making process.