Lobotomised people

Lobotomised People

A lobotomy is a form of psychosurgery, a neurosurgical treatment of a mental disorder that involves severing connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Most of the lobotomies were performed in the 20th century, with the peak period being from the early 1940s to the mid-1950s. This controversial procedure was used to treat a variety of mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, among others. The practice has since been widely discredited and abandoned due to its severe side effects, including apathy, impaired cognitive function, and emotional bluntness.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of lobotomy was first introduced by Portuguese neurologist António Egas Moniz in 1935. Moniz believed that mental illnesses were caused by fixed pathways in the brain and that severing these connections could alleviate symptoms. The procedure, initially called leucotomy, was further developed and popularized in the United States by neurologist Walter Freeman and surgeon James W. Watts, who modified the technique and renamed it lobotomy. Despite initial acclaim, including a Nobel Prize for Moniz in 1949, the procedure's popularity declined in the 1950s with the advent of antipsychotic medications and growing concerns over its efficacy and ethics.

Notable Cases[edit | edit source]

Several high-profile cases have brought attention to the use and consequences of lobotomy. These include:

- Rosemary Kennedy, the sister of President John F. Kennedy, underwent a lobotomy at age 23, which left her permanently incapacitated. - Howard Dully, lobotomized at 12 years old, later wrote a memoir about his experiences and the impact on his life. - Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina, is rumored to have undergone a lobotomy towards the end of her battle with cervical cancer, although this is subject to debate.

Controversy and Legacy[edit | edit source]

The use of lobotomy has been a subject of significant controversy. Critics argue that it was often used without proper consent or as a means of controlling difficult patients rather than treating underlying mental health conditions. The procedure's irreversible effects and the often-dramatic personality changes it caused have led to widespread condemnation.

In recent years, the lobotomy has been referenced in popular culture, literature, and film, often as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked medical experimentation. The procedure's history has also sparked discussions about medical ethics, patient rights, and the treatment of mental health conditions.