Lobotomy (also known as leucotomy) is a controversial neurosurgical procedure once used to treat psychiatric and neurological disorders like depression and epilepsy.
Involves severing connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex.
Historical Context
Originated by Portuguese neurologist António Egas Moniz, who won the 1949 Nobel Prize for the development of leucotomy, despite later controversy.
Popularity grew in the 1940s and 1950s, with nearly 20,000 procedures performed in the US by 1951.
More commonly performed on women; criticized for its effects on personality and intellect.
Procedure and Techniques
Initially involved drilling holes in the skull; evolved into the transorbital lobotomy using an icepick-like instrument.
Walter Freeman promoted the transorbital lobotomy, making the procedure more accessible and notorious for its simplicity and speed.
Controversy and Decline
Criticized for severe side effects, including reduced personality complexity, emotional blunting, and various postoperative complications (e.g., seizures, incontinence).
The Soviet Union banned lobotomy in 1950 on ethical grounds.
Development of antipsychotic medications led to a decline in lobotomy's popularity.
Viewed today as a symbol of medical barbarism and a violation of patients' rights.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Many countries and US states banned the procedure by the 1970s.
Nobel Prize awarded to Moniz remains controversial and has been criticized by modern scholars.
Cultural Impact
Lobotomy has been depicted in literature and film, often negatively, influencing public perception.
Notable cases include Rosemary Kennedy and the play "Suddenly, Last Summer" by Tennessee Williams.
Summary
Lobotomy is largely discredited today, remembered for its historical significance in psychiatric treatment and its ethical implications.