What surgical treatments are available for mental illness?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

Surgical treatments for psychiatric disorders include deep brain stimulation, cingulotomy, anterior capsulotomy, nucleus accumbens ablation, and vagus nerve stimulation. These procedures are only suitable for severe, treatment-resistant cases and require strict evaluation. If medications and psychotherapy are ineffective and the condition poses a risk to the patient or others, prompt medical consultation is recommended to assess the feasibility of surgery.

　　Surgical treatments for psychiatric disorders include deep brain stimulation, cingulotomy, anterior capsulotomy, nucleus accumbens ablation, and vagus nerve stimulation. These procedures are only suitable for severe, treatment-resistant cases and require strict evaluation. If medications and psychotherapy are ineffective and the condition poses a risk to the patient or others, prompt medical consultation is recommended to assess the feasibility of surgery.

　　1. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Electrodes are implanted to stimulate specific brain nuclei, helping regulate neurotransmitter balance. It is used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. This procedure is reversible and adjustable, with relatively minimal invasiveness.

　　2. Cingulotomy: Involves selectively severing部分 fibers of the cingulate gyrus to interrupt abnormal neural pathways. It is used to treat severe depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), effectively alleviating extreme emotional disturbances and compulsive symptoms.

　　3. Anterior Capsulotomy: A minimally invasive intervention targeting the anterior limb of the internal capsule. It is indicated for treatment-resistant schizophrenia伴有 severe impulsivity or aggressive behaviors, and can reduce the frequency of abnormal behavioral episodes.

　　4. Nucleus Accumbens Ablation: Targets and destroys neural pathways related to the nucleus accumbens to modulate dysregulated reward mechanisms. It is used in treating severe substance dependence accompanied by psychiatric disorders, aiding in controlling addictive behaviors.

　　5. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Modulates the function of the limbic system by stimulating the vagus nerve. It is suitable for treatment-resistant depression and epilepsy with comorbid psychiatric symptoms, improving emotional stability.

　　After surgery, patients should adhere to prescribed medications to consolidate therapeutic effects, participate in rehabilitation training and psychological counseling, maintain a quiet and comfortable recovery environment, avoid emotional stress, regularly monitor physical and mental status, and gradually restore social functioning.

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