Depression, also known as depressive disorder, is characterized by a significant and persistent depressed mood. The main clinical manifestations are sullenness to grief, low self-esteem and depression, and even pessimism and anxiety, and may have suicide attempts or behaviors; some cases have significant anxiety; severe cases may have hallucinations, delusions and other psychotic symptoms and complete loss of work capacity. Most cases have a tendency to have recurrent episodes. The prevalence of depression in China is reported to be 3% to 5%, and up to 6% has also been reported. In recent years, the disease has been on the rise year by year, and nowadays, depression has become the fourth most common disease in the world, and it is expected to become the second most common disease by 2020. At the same time, the incidence of depression and suicides has been trending toward younger age groups (elementary, middle school, and even college student groups). The science, prevention and treatment of depression need urgent attention, and the prevention and treatment of depression has been included in the national mental health priorities. At present, the pathogenesis of depression is unknown and may be closely related to psychosocial factors, genetic factors, neuroendocrine factors and abnormal secretion of central neurotransmitters, or may be the result of a combination of factors. While some consider depression as a psychological disorder, more studies reveal that depression is a functional brain disorder. It is believed that the dysfunctional feedback of brain reward mechanisms and the disturbance of neurotransmitter metabolism are closely related to the pathogenesis of depression. Currently, for mild and moderate depression, medication, psychotherapy, and physical therapy (e.g., transcranial magnetic therapy) are preferred. However, for severe and recurrent depression, psychiatrists and psychologists are often at their wits’ end because conservative treatments have little or no effect. What should be the treatment for patients with major depression? According to the latest domestic and foreign expert consensus on functional neurosurgery, experts generally agree that for refractory depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug dependence addiction and other severe mental illnesses, neuromodulation surgical treatments such as stereotactic-guided DBS and radiofrequency disruption can be tried. In other words, patients with severe depression can be treated with stereotactic surgery. When it comes to brain surgery, many people have fear. In fact, modern brain stereotactic surgery is the most minimally invasive surgery in functional neurosurgery. Just through a 6 mm hole in the skull, functional neurologists can perform neuromodulation surgery on specific nuclei, and patients can walk on the ground on the 2nd day after surgery. In conclusion, for patients with severe depression, functional neurologists suggest that stereotactic neuromodulation surgery may be considered for treatment. A detailed examination and a comprehensive clinical evaluation are crucial before treatment.