This innovation presents a new perspective on the treatment of mental health conditions. On April 9, 2025, in Colombia, a surgical intervention was performed for the first time on a patient diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression that had not responded to medication or other therapies. The patient was a 27-year-old woman who had been suffering for 10 years from depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. During the procedure, a neurosurgical technique known as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) was applied. It should be noted that this method had previously been used in other neurological conditions associated with movement disorders. However, this marks the first time it has been used in the treatment of depression.
First, let us clarify the Deep Brain Stimulation method.
DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) is a neurosurgical procedure that uses implanted electrodes in brain tissue and controlled electrical stimulation.
Pre-operative stage: Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation covering neurological, psychiatric, and overall physical health status. Instrumental imaging methods such as MRI and CT scans are performed to visualize the brain. This is important for determining the most optimal locations for electrode placement.
During the procedure: The patient’s head is kept completely still. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient is typically awake. This allows for real-time assessment of the effects of stimulation.
The electrodes are thin wire-like structures that are placed into pre-determined areas of the brain. After placement, the patient’s responses are monitored to ensure that the electrodes are correctly positioned.
In the Deep Brain Stimulation procedure, the operating principle requires an impulse generator (simply put, a small battery) to deliver electrical signals and activate the electrodes. This power source is implanted under the skin near the collarbone.
For successful DBS, precise electrode placement and proper adjustment of the generator are essential.
Post-operative stage: A few weeks after the surgery, the impulse generator is activated. The stimulation frequency is adjusted depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, and finding the optimal settings may take up to one month. The battery life depends on the frequency of use and device settings. If the battery is depleted, it can be replaced through a simple outpatient procedure.
Recovery period: Most patients are able to return to their normal lives shortly after the procedure; however, full recovery and optimization of system settings may take several months. Regular follow-up is essential, and the system parameters may need to be reconfigured when necessary.
Note: Deep brain stimulation does not cure the disease, but it can help reduce symptoms. Complete resolution of symptoms is rare, and in some cases, medication may still be necessary. The effectiveness of treatment depends on individual factors.
First DBS Surgery for Depression in Colombia
The 27-year-old female patient, Ms. Rodríguez, had tried various therapies, medications, and alternative treatment methods for over ten years without achieving any improvement. In one interview, she stated that her body did not respond well to many medications and that she felt both physically and emotionally exhausted.
Her condition had worsened, and in December 2024 she experienced a severe episode that left her emotionally completely exhausted. It was at that time that she learned about a treatment option in Colombia that had not previously been applied for this diagnosis. The complex procedure was led by neurosurgeon Dr. William Contreras, with a multidisciplinary team including neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists.
Ms. Rodríguez remained fully awake throughout the six-hour surgery and later described the experience as unusual and remarkable:
“I was awake for six hours during the surgery. It felt beyond real life. I felt as if my brain was being reprogrammed.”
Three months after the operation, the patient began to notice significant changes in her daily life. Her motivation to reconnect with the world gradually returned: “I wanted to go to the shopping mall again, I wanted to eat ice cream. I started doing my makeup again and dressing with excitement. It feels like I’ve been given a second chance,” she shares.
Her recovery is ongoing; however, this step already demonstrates that progress in the field of mental health is moving in a purposeful direction.