IS DBS RIGHT FOR YOU? DBS THERAPY FOR OCD

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR DBS?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy is not right for everyone. Only a doctor experienced with using DBS can determine if you are a candidate.

You may be a candidate for deep brain stimulation therapy for OCD if you:

• Have a diagnosis of OCD with a documented duration of at least 5 years
• Have OCD rated as severe or extreme illness
• Have depression and anxiety
• Have failed to improve following treatment with at least three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Do not have hoarding as your primary subclassification
• Have completed or tried to complete cognitive behavior therapy
• Have no serious psychiatric disorder in addition to OCD (for example personality disorder) or substance abuse issues
• Meet established criteria for implantation of a deep brain stimulation system
• Are 18 years old or older
• Have not had a previous surgery to destroy the region of the brain that will be the target of stimulation
• Are not pregnant
• Have no other neurological disorders, including dementia
• Do not have a bleeding disorder or are not taking blood thinners
• Do not require routine MRIs

If you have certain medical conditions and carry certain risk factors, DBS therapy may not be a good choice for you.

For more information, talk with your psychiatrist about whether you are an appropriate candidate, or contact a center that offers DBS therapy for OCD.

HOW TO DECIDE IF DBS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

If your doctor determines you are a candidate for DBS, you will need to make the final decision about whether or not to choose the therapy.

Here are some suggestions to help you decide whether DBS therapy is right for you:

• Make sure you’re comfortable with your doctor; he or she should be helpful, supportive, and ready to answer any questions you may have
• Ask your doctor for information
• Carefully weigh the risks and probable benefits of the treatment

Before you meet with your doctor, think about what you want to learn. Prepare questions and be ready to provide information about your medical history.