From prefrontal leukotomy to deep brain stimulation: the historical transformation of psychosurgery and the emergence of neuroethics.
The history of psychosurgery is described and analyzed. This historical perspective largely begins with analysis of the work of Egas Moniz in the development of the leukotomy, and follows the rise and fall of its popularity in the 1900s. The reemergence of psychosurgical procedures and the development of new therapeutic technologies such as vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation are discussed. In addition, an introduction to the field of neuroethics is provided, given its importance in any discussion about surgical therapy for psychiatric patients.
Wind
Joshua J
JJ
Department of Neurosurgery, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20037, USA. jwind@gwu.edu
Anderson
Douglas E
DE
D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000266:history*; D004992:Ethics, Medical / Q000266:history*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000941:ethics / Q000266:history*; D018579:Patient Selection / Q000941:ethics; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011612:Psychosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000941:ethics / Q000266:history*; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery