Editorial

Abstract

Dear readers:
Welcome to the latest annual issue of NeuroTarget.
On this occasion we will share with you, as a central topic, a detailed and precise review of a highly controversial topic from its very origins and that has not ceased to be so even in our times: “Psychosurgery”.
To begin with, from my point of view, this widely disseminated and accepted term, although it is clearly related to its meaning by everyone, is still an imprecise expression of what it really tries to represent.
In this sense, the role of the functional neurosurgeon has always focused on the attempt to control the symptoms present in various situations, beyond the cause of the disease. Thus, there are “surgeries” for pain, abnormal movements, spasticity, epilepsy, among many other conditions.
The name “surgery of psychiatric disorders” – in my opinion – appears to be more representative and fits more accurately with the concept it wishes to convey.
Beyond the infinite semantic disquisitions that can be established around the way of naming this activity, the undoubted point of controversy is centered on the very fine balance between the execution of these practices and ethics.