"The ventral striatum, including the head of the caudate nucleus and the nucleus accumbens, is a putative target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and major depression (MD)," investigators in Bordeaux, France report (see also Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder).

"However, the respective roles of these structures in the pathophysiology of OCD and MD remain to be clarified. To address this issue, DBS of the ventral striatum was tested in 2 patients with severely distressing and intractable forms of OCD and MD. Comparisons of clinical outcomes and anatomical data on electrode positioning showed that caudate nucleus stimulation preferentially alleviated OCD manifestations, whereas nucleus accumbens stimulation improved depressive symptoms," wrote B. Aouizerate and colleagues, University of Bordeaux.

The researchers concluded: "That the caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens participate differently in the pathogenesis of both of these psychiatric conditions. (DOI: 10.3171/2009.2.JNS0881)."

Aouizerate and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Neurosurgery (Distinct striatal targets in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depression Case report. Journal of Neurosurgery, 2009;111(4):775-779).

For additional information, contact B. Aouizerate, University of Bordeaux 2, CNRS, Service University Psychiatry Adulte, Center Hospital Charles Perrens, Unite Mixte Rech 5227, 121 Rue Bechade, F-33076 Bordeaux, France.

The publisher of the Journal of Neurosurgery can be contacted at: American Association Neurological Surgeons, 5550 Meadowbrook Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, USA.