Ovariotomies were performed in the late 1800s to treat mental illness and psychosis. NMDARE is an autoimmune disease featuring antibodies against NMDA receptors in the brain, resulting in symptoms including psychosis, cognitive disturbance, speech disorder, movement disorder, memory deficit, seizures, and autonomic dysfunction. Most cases are in children and young adults, but anyone of any age or sex may be affected. Females are affected more than males with a ratio of 4:1. Tumors, particularly ovarian tetratoma, can be associated with NMDARE.

Notably, the procedure of ovariotomy for mental illness was promoted by two well-known early women neurologists: Alice Bennett, MD, PhD, superintendent of a mental institution; and Laura Forster, a neuropathologist who worked with Nobel Prize winner Santiago Ramon y Cajal.