Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of years lost to disability
worldwide. Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are effective treatments in most depressive
episodes; but, about 30% of MDD patients remain symptomatic, and relapse is a common
event. Recently, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a valid therapeutic option in
treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients. Areas covered: In this paper, the authors
summarize the findings of studies focused on these pathophysiologic phenomena and …

Background Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is considered a relatively new and still
experimental therapeutic modality for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). There is clinical
evidence to suggest that stimulation of the subcallosal cingulate cortex (SCC) involved in the
pathogenesis of TRD may exert an antidepressant effect. Aims To conduct a systematic
review of current studies, such as randomized clinical trials (RCTs), open-label trials, and
placebo-controlled trials, examining SCC DBS for TRD in human participants. Method A …