psychosurgery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, but in a highly regulated and precise form. Procedures like deep brain stimulation (DBS) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or severe depression are considered modern psychosurgery, used only when all other treatments have failed.

The prefrontal lobotomy, popularised in the mid-20th century by Walter Freeman. It was a crude procedure often causing severe personality changes and cognitive deficits, leading to its widespread condemnation and the term's negative connotations.

The primary concern is the irreversibility of altering brain tissue and the potential for changing a person's fundamental personality, identity, or autonomy. Informed consent is critically important, especially for patients with impaired decision-making capacity due to their illness.

Modern techniques use advanced neuroimaging for precise targeting, are often minimally invasive (like inserting electrodes for DBS), and are reversible in their effects (e.g., DBS can be turned off). They are governed by strict ethical protocols and are only for the most severe, documented cases.

Brain surgery performed to treat severe mental illness or psychiatric disorders.

Psychosurgery is usually technical/medical in register.

Psychosurgery: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsaɪ.kəʊˈsɜː.dʒər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsaɪ.koʊˈsɝː.dʒər.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.