A woman with lifelong depression has shared her experience with an experimental brain implant that delivers electrical stimulation, similar to a pacemaker, which she credits with saving her life. Emily Hollenbeck is among a small group of patients who have undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implantation, stating that without it, she might not be alive today.
Emily's family history of mental illness and depression, including the loss of both parents to suicide by the time she was 30, influenced her own struggles with depression. She began experiencing symptoms at 19 and had her first major episode at 21.
Depression, as described by the Mayo Clinic, is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and impacts on daily activities. It is a condition that requires long-term treatment and cannot be simply overcome by willpower.
After trying various treatments, including medications at high doses, Emily found relief through the DBS implant procedure, likening it to a continuous form of antidepressant medication. Dr. Brian Kopell, a neurosurgeon with extensive experience in DBS procedures, explained that DBS acts as a pacemaker for the brain, targeting specific brain circuits to alleviate symptoms.
DBS has traditionally been used to treat Parkinson's disease by stimulating brain regions controlling motor function. Clinical trials have shown significant improvements in motor function and quality of life for Parkinson's patients. The same methodology is applied to depression treatment, with electrodes placed in the subcallosal cingulate cortex, a brain region involved in regulating emotional behavior.
Doctors monitor patients' progress using scans from the device, along with assessments of movements, speech, and patient diaries to tailor treatment plans. For Emily, the DBS implant has brought about a remarkable transformation, allowing her to experience spontaneity, look forward to activities, and find joy in life.
The manufacturer of the device, Abbott, has received a 'breakthrough device' designation from the FDA to explore its potential use for depression treatment. The FDA is expected to make a decision on the broader application of DBS for depression treatment later this year.
