Applicants for stereotactic neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders: role of the Flemish advisory board.
OBJECTIVE
Research on stereotactic neurosurgery for psychiatric disorders (SNPD) is rapidly evolving. Knowledge on patients undergoing SNPD is of crucial importance. We describe applicants for SNPD and examine the necessity for a multidisciplinary advisory board.


METHODS
Summary of the current practice of the Flemish advisory board (SNPD committee) and analysis of a questionnaire investigating the attitude of clinicians on SNPD.


RESULTS
In 7 years, 91 applications were submitted, nine patients did not fulfill diagnostic criteria for OCD, 65 patients received a positive recommendation, 50 SNPD procedures were performed. The prevalence of SNPD in the current year in Belgium is 0.6/million inhabitants. Ninety-seven per cent of clinicians consider the expertise and advice of the SNPD committee essential for indication setting. Forty-four percent of clinicians consider referral of a patient for capsulotomy, 82% for electrical brain stimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurosurgery is exclusively considered for severe, treatment-refractory psychiatric disorders. Clinicians consider the SNPD committee essential in the decision-making process prior to intervention.
Gabriëls
L
L
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Nuttin
B
B
Cosyns
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D026683:Advisory Committees; D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001530:Belgium; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D032921:Consensus; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D018579:Patient Selection; D024382:Professional Role; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents