
Psychiatric surgery
Psychiatric surgery, also known as neurosurgery for mental disorders, involves surgical procedures aimed at treating severe mental illnesses that have not responded to other treatments. Historically, it included techniques like lobotomies, which are now largely abandoned due to ethical concerns and better alternatives. Modern approaches, such as deep brain stimulation, involve implanting devices to target specific brain areas, helping reduce symptoms of conditions like depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. While it can offer relief for some patients, it is used cautiously and under strict guidelines due to the potential risks and complexities involved.