Neurosurgery used for the treatment of mental illnesses has a vast history dating back to the dawn of time. However, psychosurgery, brain surgery that attempts to correct a mental disorder, did not develop until the mid-20th century (Mashour). During this period, lobotomies, an alteration of the nerve pathways in the frontal lobe of the brain, were performed on Americans considered mentally ill. Although many medical professionals at the time supported the practice, just as many were concerned about the use of psychosurgery as a treatment method to modify an individual's brain. This concern arises from numerous cases in which the operation was not beneficial to the patient and the patient's questionable level of decision-making in consenting to the procedure due to their level of mental impairment. Despite the detrimental effects of psychosurgery on people with psychiatric disorders, it still remains relevant in psychology as its use has now evolved into less harmful and non-invasive therapies. These modernized treatments have been proven to improve the quality of life of people suffering from mental disorders. In summary, we will explore the personalities infamous for performing this procedure, the safety and legal issues surrounding this surgery, the relevance of psychosurgery to psychology today, and current practices used to treat mental illness. In the United States, psychiatric neurosurgery has been the primary treatment for psychiatric disorders for several decades. Egas Moniz, a Portuguese neurologist, was one of the first to use psychosurgery as a treatment for mental illness. He was inspired by the frontal cortical ablation of Fulton and Jacobson on an ani...... middle of paper ......3, 2012 at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health /topics/psychotherapies/index.shtmlRaz, M. (2008). Between the self and the ice pick: psychosurgery, psychoanalysis, a psychiatric discourse. Bulletin of History of Medicine, 82, 387-420. The John Hopkins University Press. Retrieved February 23, 2012 from the MUSE Project database. Roberts, L. (2003). Mental illness and informed consent: research and empirical understanding of voluntarism. Medical landscape. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/460483Rodgers, J. (1992). Psychosurgery. Retrieved February 23, 212 from http://m.psychologytoday.com/articles/199203/psychosurgeryWilliams, M. (2002). Psychosurgery. The Journal of Perioperative Practice, 12(12), 443-443. Form retrieved http://ezproxy.uwa.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/217765577?accountid=14786