Mechanism and progress of deep brain stimulation in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a reversible and adjustable neurostimulation technique, and has been established as a significant therapeutic modality in functional neurosurgery although its mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The primary indications for DBS include movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dystonia, essential tremor (ET), and Huntington’s disease (HD). In recent years, its application has expanded to encompass the treatment of various other neurological and psychiatric conditions, including epilepsy, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Tourette syndrome (TS), although the indications for DBS currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are PD, dystonia, ET, OCD and epilepsy. In this review, we summarized the prevailing hypotheses regarding the mechanisms through which DBS ameliorates neurological and psychiatric disorders. We also described the advancements in DBS for treating PD, dystonia, epilepsy, and other brain disorders. Furthermore, we outline the limitations associated with DBS treatment to date. Through this comprehensive analysis, we aim to enhance the understanding of DBS applications in neurological and psychiatric diseases and suggest potential avenues for technological advancement.

Keywords

deep brain stimulation / neurological disease / psychiatric disorder / stimulation target

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Higher Education Press 2026

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