Psychiatr. Pol. 2022; 56(5): 1093–1108 PL ISSN 0033-2674 (PRINT), ISSN 2391-5854 (ONLINE) www.psychiatriapolska.pl DOI: https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/141150 Głęboka stymulacja mózgu w leczeniu lekoopornych zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsyjnych: systematyczny przegląd piśmiennictwa Deep brain stimulation in the treatment of refractory obsessive- compulsive disorder: A systematic literature review Michał Sobstyl 1 , Anna Kupryjaniuk 1,2 , Marta Stajszczak 3 , Tadeusz Pietras 2 , Łukasz Święcicki 2 1 Klinika Neurochirurgii, Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii, Warszawa, Polska 2 Klinika Psychiatrii, Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii, Warszawa 3 Uniwersytet Humanistycznospołeczny, Warszawa, Polska Summary Aim. The aim of this review is to present the overview of deep brain stimulation (DBS) outcomes for obsessive – compulsive disorder (OCD). We have discussed the current OCD pathophysiology with its implications for DBS. We have also presented the current indica- tions and contraindications for DBS in OCD patients as well as still existing limitations in neuromodulation for OCD. Method. The literature was reviewed using two medical databases: Medical Literature, Analysis and Retrieval System on-line (MEDLINE) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CEN-TRAL) on DBS research in OCD with the use of the following key words: “deep brain stimulation”, “refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder”, “anterior limb of the inner capsule”. We have found 9 well-conducted trials or open label trials with at least 6 individuals in each trial. Other reports present the data on the case series or single case reports of OCD treated with DBS. Results. A number of well-conducted trials have demonstrated that the response rates (more than 35% YBOCS score reduction) of OCD symptomatology remain in 50% to 80% range. The study individuals in these trials have proven refractoriness and severity of OCD. The most common adverse events related to DBS include hypomanic episodes, suicidal idea- tion and other mood changes. Conclusions. Our review suggests that DBS for OCD cannot be regarded as an estab- lished therapy for OCD. DBS for OCD should be regarded as palliative treatment, but it is not curative. DBS should be considered if available non-operative forms of OCD treatment have failed.