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Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression
Millions of Americans have depression. For some it is intractable and often leads to attempted suicide. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), which many people know of because of its use to control tremors in Parkinson's disease, can be life changing when used for depression. Dr. Helen Mayberg of Mount Sinai in New York City, pioneered discovery of an area of the brain that, if stimulated, can alleviate depression. We follow 27-year-old Tyler Hajjar who has suffered debilitating depression for a decade and has made multiple suicide attempts. YFM shadows him during the 12-hour surgery and in the months that follow as he strives to reclaim his life.
