The History and Legacy of Lobotomy

Key Developments

• 1935 Research by John Farquhar Fulton:

  • Fulton's experiment on chimps showed removal of frontal lobes eliminated frustration and anxiety.
  • Portuguese neurologist Egas Moniz viewed this as a potential cure for mental illnesses in humans.

• Theoretical Basis and Procedure:

  • Moniz theorized depression, OCD, and bipolar disorder stemmed from negative ideas fixed in neural fibers.
  • Proposed severing fibers between thalamus and frontal lobes could treat such conditions.
  • Developed the prefrontal lobotomy involving cutting brain connections by drilling into the skull.

Initial Reception and Implementation

• Skepticism and Acceptance:

  • Initial skepticism from peers, especially from psychoanalytic advocates.
  • Moniz claimed success with 38 lobotomies, despite inconsistent results.

• Rise in Popularity:

  • Celebrated by media; Moniz awarded the Nobel Prize.
  • Gained momentum in the US due to Walter Freeman and James Watts.

Ethical Concerns and Consequences

• Problems with Lobotomy:

  • Determination of "normal life" was influenced by restrictive social norms.
  • Many patients had no mental illness; surgeries had unpredictable results.
  • Significant side effects: apathy, personality change, cognitive impairment.

• Freeman's Transorbital Lobotomy:

  • Simpler procedure using electroshock therapy and an ice pick-like instrument.
  • Conducted quickly, often by non-surgeons, leading to broader accessibility.
  • Immediate controversy due to its efficacy and accessibility.

Decline and Legacy

• Decline in Popularity:

  • Fell out of favor in the 1950s with the advent of tranquilizers.
  • By the mid-60s, depicted negatively in science fiction and horror media.

• Lessons Learned:

  • Lobotomy serves as a reminder for the need for transparency and ethical standards in scientific progress.
  • Highlights the potential harm of medical interventions lacking honest reflection and assessment.