title: Deep-brain stimulation for aggressive and disruptive behavior.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe our institutional experience with deep-brain stimulation (DBS) used in the treatment of aggressive and disruptive behavior refractory to conservative treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  With stereotactic methodology and under general anesthesia, seven patients (from 2002 to 2010) were given DBS in the posterior hypothalamic region, bilaterally, and with the aid of intraoperative microrecording.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six of seven patients presented a clear reduction in the aggression and disruptive bouts, with subsequent simplification of familiar management.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DBS of the posterior hypothalamic region could be an effective treatment for patients affected by mental retardation in whom disruptive and drug-refractory aggressive behavior coexists. Although several experimental data are available on this target, further studies are necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of this procedure.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.
authors: Angelo
authors: A
authors: Franzini
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Broggi
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Cordella
authors: Ivano
authors: I
authors: Dones
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Messina
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000374:Aggression; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014754:Violence; D055815:Young Adult