The Initial Epoch of Psychosurgery in India: A Retrospective Data Review from Mysore Government Mental Hospital.

BACKGROUND: In the early 20th century, psychosurgery had gained worldwide popularity for treating mentally ill persons, especially in western countries. We attempt to chronicle its journey in the Mysore Government Mental Hospital (MGMH), now the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.

METHODS: Archived case records and registers of patients admitted from 1939 to 1947 were reviewed to identify those who had undergone psychosurgery. Case records of the identified patients were assessed for clinical information, including the details of psychosurgery.

RESULTS: Among the patients, 107 had undergone psychosurgery, primarily leucotomy. Schizophrenia (51.5%) was the most common diagnosis in them, and 33.7% of all patients were reported to have improved. Yet, inconsistencies were found about the presence and degree of improvement. Possible side effects were not consistently documented.

CONCLUSION: Psychosurgery was adopted at the MGMH very soon following its introduction in the western world. However, ambiguity about its benefits and risks was noted in the current study.