Surgery of the Last Resort
A report by Peter Williams
Psychosurgery, after more than 40 years, is still one of the most controversial forms of surgery. The surgeon destroys parts of the brain in an attempt to cure severe mental disturbances, such as obsession or depression. But it has been used in an effort to alter behaviour, such as aggression or homosexuality. Some psychiatrists would never recommend psychosurgery for any patients; others feel it has possibilities where other treatments have failed.
In tonight's Open Secret, PETER WILLIAMS talks to a psychosurgeon who has practised in Birmingham for more than 20 years and carried out 380 such operations on the brain. The programme examines the issues involved in this type of treatment and relates them to the experiences of some of his patients. In 1978, a Government White Paper recommended stricter controls on psychosurgery. They have yet to be implemented.
Film editor RON RADDON
Producer J. PETER KINKEAD