Howard Dully

==Early Life==

Howard Dully was born on November 30, 1948, in Oakland, California. He was the son of Rodney Dully and June Pierce. His early childhood was marked by family difficulties, including the death of his mother when he was young. His father remarried, and Howard's relationship with his stepmother, Lou, was strained.

Lobotomy

In 1960, at the age of 12, Howard Dully underwent a transorbital lobotomy, a procedure performed by Dr. Walter Freeman. This controversial procedure involved inserting an instrument through the eye socket to sever connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Howard's stepmother, Lou, had sought psychiatric help for him, and Dr. Freeman recommended the lobotomy as a treatment for what he diagnosed as "schizophrenia" and "aggressive behavior."

Aftermath

Following the lobotomy, Howard Dully spent much of his youth in various institutions, including foster homes, psychiatric hospitals, and juvenile detention centers. He struggled with the effects of the procedure and the stigma associated with it. Despite these challenges, Howard eventually managed to build a life for himself, working various jobs and starting a family.

Rediscovery and Memoir

In the early 2000s, Howard Dully's story gained renewed attention when he participated in a National Public Radio (NPR) program that explored his experience with lobotomy. This led to the publication of his memoir, "My Lobotomy," co-authored with Charles Fleming, in 2007. The book details his life before and after the lobotomy, as well as his journey to understand why the procedure was performed on him.

Legacy

Howard Dully's story has contributed to the broader understanding of the history and impact of lobotomy as a psychiatric treatment. His memoir and public appearances have raised awareness about the ethical and medical issues surrounding the procedure, as well as the resilience of individuals who have undergone it.

Related Pages

• Lobotomy
• Walter Freeman (physician)
• Psychosurgery
• History of psychiatry