History of Neurosurgical Operations for Pychiatric Disorders until 1950

Overview

The history of surgeries aiming at modulation of human psychic functions is closely associated with the level of knowledge achieved in neuroanatomy, physiology and pathology. Some casuistic observations of patients with large structural lesions affecting central nervous system has made great contribution. The lack of other therapeutic possibilities in the treatment of psychiatric diseases led to the abuse of prefrontal leucotomy even when the adverse effects were well known. The real breakthrough was the discovery of neuroleptics together with the formation of stereotactic neurosurgery enabling precise surgical targeting of defined anatomical structures.

Key words:
frontal leucotomy, Egas Moniz, Walter Freeman.