The Professional and Ethical Practices Committee of the National Center for Mental Health Promotion issued a statement on the efficacy and safety of brain neurosurgery as a treatment for depression.
The committee pointed out that this type of operation was tried a few decades ago, but the scientific evidence of its usefulness is still limited.
She stressed that the recognized global guidelines for the treatment of major depressive disorder do not include this type of brain surgery as one of the proposed treatment options, even if treatment options with medication, psychological sessions and brain stimulation have been exhausted.
It indicated that there is better scientific evidence for a better treatment for cases of depression that are resistant to traditional treatments, according to the evidence and scientific references.
The committee recommended restricting the use of brain surgery to treat depressive disorder; Due to the limited practical evidence to support it at the present time.
She stressed that in case of necessity, its use should be restricted to the three advanced health care facilities, under the supervision of a multidisciplinary medical team and under strict restrictions, with taking official approvals from the relevant authorities.
A medical team specializing in neurosurgery and psychiatrists at King Salman Medical City in Madinah announced their success in relieving the suffering of a patient suffering from chronic depression who accompanied him for more than 25 years with a surgical intervention represented in performing a “two-sided anterior gyrus” operation.