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Psychosurgery: past, present, and future.
George A Mashour1, Erin E Walker, Robert L Martuza
1Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. gmashour@partners.org
Brain Research. Brain Research Reviews
|May 26, 2005
Summary
Psychosurgery, the surgical treatment of psychiatric disorders, has evolved significantly. Modern psychosurgery employs precise techniques under strict ethical controls, with future advancements in somatic therapies on the horizon.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Psychosurgery, the neurosurgical treatment of psychiatric disorders, has ancient roots and a complex history.
- The 20th century saw both advancements and significant ethical concerns, particularly with frontal lobotomy.
Observation:
- Modern psychosurgery utilizes stereotactic techniques like cingulotomy, capsulotomy, subcaudate tractotomy, and limbic leukotomy.
- Current procedures are strictly regulated due to historical abuses, exemplified by hospital ethics committees.
Findings:
- The review details the neurobiology underpinning contemporary psychosurgical interventions.
- Indications, side effects, and the transition from historical to modern practices are discussed.
Implications:
- Future directions include integrating psychosurgery with emerging somatic therapies such as deep brain stimulation and gene therapy.
- This review offers a comprehensive overview of psychosurgery for psychiatric conditions, from historical context to future potential.