prefrontal lobotomy

n. The surgical separation of the prefrontal lobes of the brain from the rest of the brain, which results in a chronic lack of motivation and self-direction and grossly flattened affective response. This was used early in the 20th century in attempts to cure a variety of problems such as chronic depression and psychosis and led to easily managed docility, although there was no evidence of its actual efficacy in treating any of the disorders for which it was used. Also called prefrontal leucotomy.