ArticleBrain sciences2024
No Consistent Antidepressant Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis.
Article in Brain sciences, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis-nucleus accumbens stimulation for depression: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial.Cell reports. Medicine · 2026Trial
- Prefrontal-bed nucleus of the stria terminalis physiological and neuropsychological biomarkers predict therapeutic outcomes in depression.Nature communications · 2025Trial
- Deep brain stimulation mechanisms in comorbid pain and emotional dysregulation from animal models.iScience · 2026Review
- Deep Brain Stimulation in the Bed Nucleus of Stria Terminalis and Medial Forebrain Bundle in Two Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-A Long-Term Follow-Up.Clinical case reports · 2025Article
- Organization, fine structure, and stereotaxic maps of the human Bed nucleus of the Stria terminalis.Imaging neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.)Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundApplying deep brain stimulation (DBS) to several brain regions has been investigated in attempts to treat highly treatment-resistant depression, with variable results. Our initial pilot data suggested that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) could be a promising therapeutic target.
objectiveThe aim of this study was to gather blinded data exploring the efficacy of applying DBS to the BNST in patients with highly refractory depression.
methodEight patients with chronic severe treatment-resistant depression underwent DBS to the BNST. A randomised, double-blind crossover study design with fixed stimulation parameters was followed and followed by a period of open-label stimulation.
resultsDuring the double-blind crossover phase, no consistent antidepressant effects were seen with any of the four stimulation parameters applied, and no patients achieved response or remission criteria during the blinded crossover phase or during a subsequent period of three months of blinded stimulation. Stimulation-related side effects, especially agitation, were reported by a number of patients and were reversible with adjustment of the stimulation parameters.
conclusionsThe results of this study do not support the application of DBS to the BNST in patients with highly resistant depression or ongoing research utilising stimulation at this brain site. The blocked randomised study design utilising fixed stimulation parameters was poorly tolerated by the participants and does not appear suitable for assessing the efficacy of DBS at this location.
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Registered trials
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