Deep brain stimulation has been done for Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and other such serious diseases but a few people with Tourette’s syndrome and OCD have also been treated. The last few years there has been increased research and interest into DBS for depression. http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2007/04/16/hscout603735.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,1743725,00.html
It’s interesting that no research at all (that I know of) has been put into DBS treatment of autism, because after all, there are lots of cases of autism that cause as much suffering to the people as the aforementioned conditions.
Personally I would consider brain surgery if it became possible (maybe it is and I just don’t know about it – can someone help?) even if it cost a lot. I’m not worried about myself getting into a worse shape because even surgeries where they never targeted mood structures, many people experience a better mood and more energy.
The price of the surgery is a big problem though. The cheapest quote for DBS surgery with Medtronic electrodes has been $13,000 and that was for Parkinson’s, in India (www.parkinsonindia.org). Then there is the price of additional surgeries if something isn’t working appropriately or when the batteries run out (about once every 5 years). Expect to part of maybe 3-4 times that money if you want to have surgery in a western country.
Future of DBS implants: http://www.mindupdate.com/?p=42
Hacking autism 