The Physiologic Basis of Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation, encompassing techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and notably, deep brain stimulation (DBS), represents a pivotal advancement in both clinical and research settings for manipulating neural circuitry. DBS, originally developed to mimic early neurosurgical interventions, stands out for its capacity to nondestructively modulate brain circuit “nodes,” inducing widespread neural changes. This review narrows its focus to DBS’s mechanisms and its clinical applications in psychiatric disorders, highlighting its evolution from a neurosurgical novelty to an established treatment modality. With over 200,000 implantations worldwide, DBSs efficacy in improving neuropsychiatric disorders is undisputed.