Psychosurgery

Psychosurgery links to the assumption localisation of brain function, our behaviours and personalities are biologically determined and therefore any psychological problem requires physical treatment.The aim of psychosurgery is to cure the symptoms of mental disorders such as depression, OCD and schizophrenia. This is achieved by interrupting and/or severing brain connections and is seen as a radical technique that is irreversible.

During psychosurgery, brain tissue within the frontal cortex is deliberately destroyed or a small part of the brain is removed. The frontal cortex has been found to effect different emotions and behaviour. This links to the assumption that different regions of the brain have certain functions.

One of the techniques in psychosurgery is the prefrontal leucotomy. This involved drilling a hole either side of the skull…