Psycosurgery, a medical field where brain surgery techniques are used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. These techniques are typically applied to patients with severe and resistant psychiatric symptoms. During the procedure, changes are made in the brain tissue or the brain is electrically stimulated. Psychosurgery is commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, which are resistant to treatment.
Prominent techniques among these include:
Lobotomy: One of the oldest psychosurgery methods. It aims to alter thoughts and behaviors by severing certain connections in the brain. However, lobotomy is no longer widely used due to its severe side effects and has been replaced by less invasive and more targeted treatment methods.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): It is a technique where electrodes are implanted to deliver electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain. It is used to alleviate symptoms, especially in conditions like schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Cingulotomy: In this method, thermal or chemical lesions are created in specific areas of the brain. This can be effective in reducing symptoms, especially in conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: It targets brain tissue using high doses of focused radiation. It can be used, especially in the treatment of painful conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.
Psychosurgery is usually preferred when other treatment options have failed or have been ineffective, or when symptoms are very severe. However, the use of these methods should be carefully evaluated, and detailed communication should be established between the patient and the doctor. The appropriate treatment options may vary for each patient, and psychosurgery should only be performed in suitable cases and by an expert team.
