Modified leukotomy in the treatment of intractable obessional neurosis
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|December 1, 1982
Abstract:
Modified leukotomies were performed on 5 patients with severe, incapacitating obsessional neurosis. Symptoms had been present for 6 or more years in all patients, and 3 had been ill for more than 20 years. All had received adequate trials of more conventional treatments before the leukotomy but had shown little response. At the time of follow-up, which range from as early as 1 year to as late as nearly 7 years after surgery, each patient's condition had improved. One was considered to be in "full remission," there were "much improved," and one was still symptomatic but "improved."
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early years,...
Psychosurgery
Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...


