The effects of brain stimulation with direct electrical current in the treatment of resistant obsessive-compulsive disorders

Abstract

Introduction

Direct brain stimulation with electrical currents is an effective treatment for depression and considering is an effective supplementary treatment of resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Aim

Assess the effects of brain stimulation with direct electrical current in the treatment of resistant obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Methods

The present study is a paired clinical trial conducted in a group of 42 patients diagnosed with treatment resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder in the province of Rasht. Direct brain stimulation with electrical current was performed according to the protocol throughout the 15 treatment sessions. The effectiveness of the first, fifth, tenth and fifteenth session(s) of treatment were evaluated based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and results were analyzed using Repeated Measure ANOVA, Spearman Correlation and Pearson Correlation software SPSS version 22.

Results

All 42 participants stayed throughout the study. Mean age of patients was 10.14 ± 29.10. Mean test scores of Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale in the first, fifth, tenth and fifteenth session of treatment was 6.78 ± 28.4, 4.58 ± 22.8, 6.3 ± 16.4 and 5.37 ± 10.8,respectively which is significantly lower (P-value = 0.00, F = 80.12). No significant correlation was observed between the participant's age, sex, education level, marital status and employment status and in any of the test scores of Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale in the first, fifth, tenth and fifteenth session of treatment (P-value > 0.05).

Conclusion

In order to attain a sustainable long term effects of the proposed treatment, it is recommended that patients be reminded on their next schedule of treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.