Modified leukotomies were performed on 5 patients with severe,
incapacitating obsessional neurosis. Symptoms had been present for 6 or
more years in all patients, and 3 had been ill for more than 20 years. All
had received adequate trials of more conventional treatments before the
leukotomy but had shown little response. At the time of follow-up, which
range from as early as 1 year to as late as nearly 7 years after surgery,
each patient's condition had improved. One was considered to be in "full
remission," there were "much improved," and one was still symptomatic but
"improved."Abstract Teaser