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Outcome in Unipolar Affective Disorder after Stereotactic Tractotomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

L. M. Lovett*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Liverpool
R. Crimmins
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Whitechurch Hospital, Cardiff
D. M. Shaw
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Whitchurch Hospital, Cardiff
*
PO Box 147, Liverpool L69 3BX

Abstract

An evaluation of 15 patients treated by subcaudate stereotactic tractotomy (SST) for treatment-resistant unipolar affective disorder was made for frequency and severity of recurrence of illness. One-third had died by the time of assessment, but none by suicide. Two-thirds of the sample experienced a reduction in the severity of depressive episodes after the operation; only one-third reported a reduction in frequency of episodes.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists 1989 

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