Electrical stimulation of a particular brain region is reported to be an effective cure for major depression non-responsive to other treatments.  Major depression is a serious medical illness and the leading cause of disability in many countries.

Unlike the normal feeling of sadness, major depression is persistent and interferes with an individual's thoughts, behavior, mood, activity, and physical health. Previous studies had linked the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the brain to the development of major depression.

According to the study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, targeting this region via an implanted cortical stimulator can lessen the symptoms of severe and medically refractory major depression.  Scientists concluded that deep brain and cortical stimulation are alternative methods for treating major depression.