Deep brain stimulation didn't work for a young OCD patient until new brain maps changed everything

Five years ago, Julia Hum was admitted to a state mental hospital in Massachusetts due to severe OCD. Now, after receiving targeted deep brain stimulation, she is seeing significant improvements and hopes to live independently. Julia’s OCD caused self-harm and made it challenging for her to eat and drink. However, with the help of a deep brain stimulator, she can now eat and drink normally, and her intrusive thoughts no longer control her. This innovative treatment targets a dysfunctional circuit in the brain and has been successful in treating a range of conditions, including OCD.