Resistant bipolar affective disorder treated by stereotactic subcaudate tractotomy.
The results of stereotactic subcaudate tractotomy in nine patients with resistant bipolar affective disorder are presented in the form of a single case study with a summary of the other eight cases. Follow-up studies at 2-4 years showed substantial improvement in five patients and amelioration of symptoms in a further four patients, with a tendency for a greater improvement in the manic than in the depressive episodes. These preliminary results suggest that there is a place for this operation in the management of severe bipolar affective disorders which are not responding to any other treatment, although decisive recovery occurs less often than with unipolar depression.
Poynton
A
A
United Medical School, Guy's Hospital, London.
Bridges
P K
PK
Bartlett
J R
JR
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011612:Psychosurgery / Q000379:methods