Moniz's Theory of Psychosurgery

Moniz's theory of psychosurgery, developed in the early 20th century, aimed to treat severe mental disorders by surgically altering brain function. He proposed that disrupting specific brain pathways could alleviate symptoms of conditions like depression and anxiety. The most notorious procedure he invented was the lobotomy, where connections in the frontal lobes were severed. While some patients experienced reduced symptoms, many suffered significant side effects, raising ethical concerns. Moniz's work sparked debates over the morality and effectiveness of such invasive treatments, leading to a shift towards more humane, non-invasive mental health therapies.