Ki Sueng Choi

Abstract Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging therapy for treatment-resistant neurological and psychiatric disorders. Despite this, little is known about the anatomical and functional mechanisms that underlie this therapy. We targeted DBS to white matter adjacent to the subcallosal anterior cingulate cortex (SCC-DBS) in macaques, modeling the approach proven effective for depression in humans.

Abstract One-third of schizophrenia patients exhibit treatment resistance, underscoring the need for mechanism-based interventions. We report that deep brain stimulation of the substantia nigra pars reticulata has acutely alleviated persistent auditory hallucinations by 64% in a treatment-resistant schizophrenia patient. Deep brain stimulation normalized hallucination-correlated elevation of intraoperative electrocortical theta–gamma phase–amplitude coupling at language-related cortical areas.

Abstract Neuromodulation is increasingly becoming a therapeutic option for treatment resistant psychiatric disorders. These non-invasive and invasive therapies are still being refined but are clinically effective and, in some cases, provide sustained symptom reduction. Neuromodulation relies on changing activity within a specific brain region or circuit, but the precise mechanisms of action of these therapies, is unclear.