Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment for patients with intractable depression and will be the focus of a segment airing this weekend on CNN. The report, called "Battery-Powered Brains," features Helen Mayberg, professor of psychiatry, neurology and radiology, and the Dorothy C. Fuqua Chair in Psychiatric Imaging and Therapeutics at Emory University School of Medicine.

Mayberg’s research targets an area of the brain known as Area 25 that has been identified as the location of the brain circuits that control mood. During the surgery a pair of battery powered electrodes are implanted in that area of the brain. The procedure has shown promise for patients who tried conventional treatments with no success.

The segment will air on CNN as part of the “Sanjay Gupta, MD” program at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

Gupta is assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine.