Sponsored Links
Main Menu
Treatment
Self Tests
OCD
- Facts about OCD
- OCD Questions & Answers
- YBOCS: Yale-Brown OCD Scale
- Sexual Obsessions
- Hoarding & Saving OCD
- Washing & Cleaning
- Homosexuality Anxiety
- Christians & OCD
- Medication for OCD
- Combining Medication for OCD
- CBT Therapy for OCD
- Therapy for Kids with OCD
- OCD & African Americans
- Herbal Remedies for OCD
- Brain Surgery for OCD
- Treatment Resistant OCD
- OCD & Depression
- Real People's OCD Stories
- Online Therapy for OCD
Spectrum Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Tourette Syndrome
- Hypochondria
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Depersonalization Disorder
- Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)
- Compulsive Skin Picking
- Nail Biting
- Deliberate Self-Harm
- Olfactory Reference Syndrome
- Sexual Compulsions
- Compulsive Gambling
- Kleptomania
- Eating Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Personality
- Autistic Disorder
Anxiety & Mood
- Panic Disorder
- Panic Attacks
- Social Anxiety & Phobia
- Taijin Kyofusho
- Specific Phobias
- Generalized Anxiety
- Traumatic Stress Disorders
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- OCD & Bipolar
- Depression & God
Eating Disorders and Body Image
Deep Brain Stimulation Used to Treat People with OCD
According to a report presented by Dr. Benjamin Greenberg from Brown University and Butler Hospital, deep brain stimulation may help people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is a disorder which causes people to have unwanted thoughts, engage in compulsive behaviors and can be extremely difficult to live with. As such, individuals who suffer from the condition have long-since sought out a treatment option that can help them put an end to their struggles once and for all.
As per the National Institutes of Mental Health, approximately 2.2 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from OCD.
Because of the growing number of untreated OCD patients out there, a more controversial possible treatment has been introduced. Known as ‘deep brain stimulation,’ the treatment involves putting an electrode into the brain to deliver an electrical current directly into the circuitry that scientists are convinced causes the disorder.
Since the year 2000, about 60 or 70 patients have utilized deep brain stimulation to treat their OCD. However, the same type of technology has been used to treat Parkinson’s and other disorders. As such, approximately 70,000 people have deep brain stimulation devices worldwide according to various reports.
Documented side effects of this treatment include possible bleeding – which in turn can have a permanent impact on the brain. Further, both infections and seizures both at the time of operation and later on are possible. Some of the behavioral side effects have included too much sleeping and/or too much energy. Finally, when the battery dies or a wire malfunctions OCD symptoms immediately get much worse for the patients.
![](https://www.brainphysics.com/sites/default/files/images/lose-weight-stop-ocd-diet-plan-mental-health.mini.jpg)
OCD Self Test
Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD?
Take the Self Test now to get more information.
Sponsored Links
![disclaimer](https://www.brainphysics.com/images/disclaimer-icon.gif)
The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.
Call Now—Help Available 24/7 (877) 331-9311
Sign up for our newsletter to receive mental health Information & Inspiration
Sponsored Links
You May Also Want To Read
Other People Are Also Reading
Online Support Groups
![visit SupportGroups.com](http://www.supportgroups.com/images/link-banner-300.gif)
SupportGroups.com provides a support network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get a helping hand in a confidential, caring environment.
Call Now—Help Available 24/7 (877) 331-9311