New treatment option emerging for certain people with mental health problems: brain implants

Researchers estimate that around 20 percent of people with depression and 10 percent of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder have conditions that are resistant to treatment.  Scientists are now exploring a new treatment method that uses brain implants that act like brain pacemakers to assist these people (Source: "Brain implants could help treat mental illnesses," Akron Beacon Journal, May 27, 2008). 

Such devices are currently being used to help treat people with Parkinson's disease.  However, researchers note that while pyschiatric conditions are more complex, the results of early testing are promising.  While not effective in all of the test cases, these tools are showing positive benefits in most of the cases where it has been used.

The Cleveland Clinic, along with federal health officials, held a meeting in early May with leading researchers in this field of study.  Along with exploring the latest findings, the researchers discussed the possibility of using this treatment technique to assist Iraqi veterans, and others, suffering from traumatic brain injury.