Deep brain stimulation would be the solution against OCD if other treatments have failed

People often use the term ” Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ” or OCD to joke about their sense of organization. However, OCD is a form of anxiety disorder. People who suffer from it are haunted by intrusive thoughts, triggering recurring behavior. These uncontrollable thoughts create a compulsive attitude.

Moksha Patel is a doctor who suffered from OCD since childhood. He released some medical information to fight the stigma and show that relief is possible. In September 2021, he underwent deep brain stimulation surgery, able to relieve OCD when less invasive treatments have been helpless.

The team behind this rare neurosurgical procedure uses evidence-based approaches. Through experience and research, she was able to understand how this method can be applied to soothe people with OCD.

OCD sufferers live in pain and loneliness

A person with OCD is inhabited by the feeling of imminent danger. For her, performing compulsive and repetitive actions relieves anxiety and makes it possible to avoid the apprehended event. In general, the awareness of the inconsistency of their behavior is very hard. This permanently causes a feeling of guilt, shame, fear and doubt.

Anxieties related to OCD mostly concern things or people important to the patient. often misunderstood, he hides his illness to avoid being judged. This delays diagnosis and treatment. The 1 to 2% of the population world with OCD live in pain and loneliness.

The mental health therapy called “exposure and response prevention” is the initial treatment for OCD. Sessions help patients slowly fight their fears, while limiting their compulsive and repetitive behavior. The drugs treating this disease are the reuptake inhibitors of serotonin, or IRS/IRSSin high doses.

Deep brain stimulation would be able to significantly alleviate OCD

OCD is a chronic disease. 65% respond to standard treatment, and only 35% recover completely. About 10% see no improvement, regardless of the intensity of their treatment. Deep brain stimulation therefore represents hope for people with severe and persistent OCD.

Patel has suffered from OCD since the age of 5 years. Her fears are mostly about germs, contamination and social interactions. He is one of the patients the team offered deep brain stimulation to. However, it is difficult to obtain a insurance coverage for the procedureand brain surgery for psychiatric illnesses is still stigmatized.

Thanks to the procedure, Patel is now able to feed at work and use public restrooms. His social life has improved and he spends less time performing his rituals. He has saved time which he strives to fill with meaningful activities.

SOURCE: SCIENCEALERT