Outcome in Unipolar Affective Disorder after Stereotactic Tractotomy

Abstract

An evaluation of 15 patients treated by subcaudate stereotactic tractotomy (SST) for treatment-resistant unipolar affective disorder was made for frequency and severity of recurrence of illness. One-third had died by the time of assessment, but none by suicide. Two-thirds of the sample experienced a reduction in the severity of depressive episodes after the operation; only one-third reported a reduction in frequency of episodes.