The Horrible History of Lobotomizing People
History of Everything
Deep Dive
What is a lobotomy and what was its intended purpose?
A lobotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at severing the nerve fibers between the frontal lobe of the brain and the thalamus. It was developed in the 1940s and 1950s as a treatment for severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and psychosis. The goal was to reduce abnormal stimuli reaching the frontal area, which was believed to cause impulsive and violent behavior, making patients calmer and more docile.
Why did lobotomies become popular in the 1940s and 1950s?
Lobotomies gained popularity because they were seen as a solution to the overcrowding and lack of effective treatments in insane asylums. At the time, the only alternatives were insulin comas or electroconvulsive therapy. Lobotomies were believed to make patients calm enough to return home, reducing the burden on asylums and families.
What were the methods used to perform lobotomies?
Lobotomies were performed using various methods, including brain cannulae (thin hollow tubes), drilling holes in the skull, chemical injections, electrocoagulation (using electric currents), and destructive ultrasonic waves. The procedure aimed to disrupt connections between the frontal cortex and the thalamus.
What were the consequences of lobotomies on patients?
Lobotomies often left patients with severe side effects, including apathy, passivity, lack of initiative, poor concentration, and muted emotional responses. Some patients died from the procedure, while others required lifelong care and had to relearn basic functions like eating and using the bathroom.
Who was Rosemary Kennedy, and how was she affected by a lobotomy?
Rosemary Kennedy was the sister of President John F. Kennedy. She underwent a lobotomy in 1941 at age 23 due to her erratic behavior and violent outbursts. The procedure left her unable to walk or talk, requiring lifelong care. Her family kept the lobotomy a secret for decades to protect their political reputation.
Why did the practice of lobotomies decline?
The decline of lobotomies began in the 1950s with the introduction of neuroleptic drugs and antidepressants, which offered safer and more effective treatments for mental illnesses. Additionally, the inhumane nature of lobotomies and their severe side effects led to widespread criticism, causing the practice to fall out of favor by the late 1970s.
What role did Walter Freeman play in the history of lobotomies?
Walter Freeman was an American neurologist who popularized lobotomies in the U.S. He developed the transorbital lobotomy, a quicker and less invasive method using an ice pick-like instrument. Freeman performed thousands of lobotomies, often without proper sterilization, and continued advocating for the procedure despite its high mortality rate and severe side effects.
Were lobotomies ever banned in the United States?
Lobotomies were never officially banned at the federal level in the United States. However, their use declined significantly with the advent of antipsychotic drugs in the 1950s. Some states imposed restrictions, but the practice largely disappeared by the late 1970s due to its inhumane nature and the availability of better treatments.
What were the ethical concerns surrounding lobotomies?
Lobotomies raised significant ethical concerns due to their irreversible effects, high mortality rate, and the lack of informed consent from patients. Many patients were left severely disabled, and the procedure was often performed on individuals with minor mental disorders. Critics argued that lobotomies were inhumane and based on flawed science.
How did the Soviet Union view lobotomies?
The Soviet Union banned lobotomies in 1950, labeling the procedure as inhumane. This was notable given the Soviet Union's history of controversial medical practices. The ban highlighted the growing global criticism of lobotomies and their ethical implications.
- Lobotomy was used to treat severe mental illness when other treatments were scarce.
- The procedure involved severing nerve fibers between the frontal lobe and thalamus.
- It was performed using various methods, including brain cannulae and drilling holes in the skull.
- The procedure was performed with limited understanding of the brain and its long-term effects.
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