The case of a patient with treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder operated by stereotactic bilateral cingulotomy

This case report presents the first patient in Poland with treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder, operated by stereotactic bilateral cingulotomy. The patient, aged 38 years, with 20-year duration of illness, despite intensive pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment was totally unable to function due to obsessive-compulsive symptoms of extreme intensity. The paper presents the neuroimaging documentation of psychosurgery performed on 3rd December 2002. On the basis of nearly two-year follow-up of the patient, the result of the psychosurgery can be assessed as moderately favorable. The patient's subjective mood and social functioning have improved, as well as his cognitive functions measured by means of neuropsychological tests. In patients with severe, chronic and treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder psychosurgical treatment may be a therapeutic option.