Deep brain stimulation may reduce self-injury in children

Severe self-injurious behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious issue. This behavior can lead to permanent injury. Not all children with ASD respond well to behavioral therapies. A recent study suggests that deep brain stimulation (DBS) may help reduce these behaviors. The study, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, focused on a part of the brain called the nucleus accumbens (NAc). This region is linked to feelings of reward. Researchers found that applying DBS to the NAc in children with severe self-injurious behavior was both safe and feasible. They believe this treatment may improve the children’s quality of life. Dr. John Krystal, an editor at Biological Psychiatry, highlighted the dangers of self-injurious behavior. He noted that treatment options are currently limited. He finds the use of DBS in this context promising, though the findings are early and need further investigation. Lead researcher Dr. George M. Ibrahim noted that the children in the study often had few treatment options. The pilot trial included six children aged 7 to 14. It was carefully monitored and used tools like wearable technology and PET scans to study the effects of DBS. The results showed a decrease in self-injurious behavior and noticeable improvements in brain function. Many existing treatments for severe self-injurious behavior are not very effective and can come with side effects. This emphasizes the need for better treatment options. The NAc is an important target for treatments because of its role in the brain's reward system. While DBS has been studied in adults, this trial represents the first attempt to apply it in children with a neurodevelopmental disorder. Dr. Ibrahim hopes that these early findings will encourage larger studies to confirm the safety and effectiveness of DBS for children facing these challenges.