Chronic subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation (DBS) appears to be safe and effective for the long term in individuals with treatment resistant depression (TRD). A team of American researchers found that 2 years of active DBS resulted in remission of TRD in 58% of patients. A response after DBS occurred in 92% of patients with TRD during the study period. The authors added that spontaneous relapse was not experienced by any patients who achieved remission.

Abstract: Archives of General Psychiatry, January 2, 2012.