[Addiction-like behavior with continuous self-stimulation of the mediothalamic system (author's transl)].

In a patient with postamputation pain a continuous self-stimulation of the mediothalamic system by a chronic deep brain electrode induced a change in behavior, similar to addiction. At the same time various psychological tests (HAWIE, Benton, Hooper-VOT and concentration tests) were significantly disturbed. After interruption of the deep brain stimulation all induced psychic abnormalities normalized within a few days.