A lobotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing or disconnecting certain areas of the brain in order to treat mental illnesses or behavioral disorders.

The procedure was popularized in the first half of the 20th century as a way to treat a variety of conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and even homosexuality. Lobotomies were performed in the United States and Europe from the 1930s to the 1960s, and were typically reserved for patients who were unresponsive to other forms of therapy.

The History of Lobotomy

The first lobotomy operation was performed in Portugal in the 1930s by Dr. Antonio Egas Moniz.

The procedure involved inserting a surgical instrument called a leucotome into the brain through the eye socket and severing the connections between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain. Moniz believed that this would alleviate the symptoms of various mental disorders by reducing emotional agitation and disorderly thoughts.

The procedure quickly gained popularity around the world, and by the early 1940s, lobotomies were being performed in the United States and Europe on a frequent basis.

Lobotomies were hailed as a miraculous cure for many mental disorders, and doctors and patients alike were eager to try the procedure.

The Different Types of Lobotomy

There were several different types of lobotomy that were used during the procedure’s heyday. These included:.

1. Pre-frontal lobotomy

This was the most common form of lobotomy, and involved severing the connections between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain.

The procedure usually involved inserting a leucotome into the patient’s eye socket and then rotating it to cut the brain tissue. This type of lobotomy resulted in significant changes in personality and behavior, and was often accompanied by memory loss, reduced cognitive functions, and motor deficits.

2. Transorbital lobotomy

This was a newer type of lobotomy that was introduced in the mid-1940s. The procedure involved inserting a surgical instrument called an orbitoclast into the eye socket and then tapping it with a hammer to break through the bone and access the brain.

The orbitoclast was then used to sever the connections between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain. This type of lobotomy was considered less invasive than the pre-frontal method, but was still associated with significant side effects.

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3. Bilateral cingulotomy

This type of lobotomy involved burning or cutting a region of the brain called the cingulate gyrus, which is involved in regulating emotion and behavior.

The procedure was usually performed using a neurosurgical probe that was inserted through a small hole in the skull. This type of lobotomy was sometimes used to treat severe anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, but was not as popular as other types of lobotomy.

The Side Effects of Lobotomy

Although lobotomies were initially hailed as a miraculous cure for mental illness, the procedure was associated with a range of serious side effects. Some of the most common side effects of lobotomy included:.

1. Personality changes

Lobotomy patients often experienced significant changes in their personality and behavior following the procedure. They might become passive, apathetic, or indifferent to their surroundings, or might exhibit uncontrolled emotional outbursts.

2. Cognitive impairment

Many lobotomy patients experienced a decline in cognitive function following the procedure. This might include memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving or complex tasks, or a general sense of confusion.

3. Motor deficits

Some lobotomy patients experienced difficulties with movement and coordination, or might have developed tremors or other motor problems.

4. Infection

Because lobotomy involved accessing the brain through the skull, there was a significant risk of infection. Many patients developed serious infections following the procedure, which could result in further physical and mental complications.

The Decline of Lobotomy

Over time, lobotomy fell out of favor as more effective treatments for mental illness were developed. As the risks and side effects of the procedure became more apparent, doctors and patients alike began to seek out other forms of therapy.

By the 1960s, lobotomy was no longer a common treatment for mental disorders.

Conclusion

Although lobotomy was once considered a miracle cure for a variety of mental illnesses and behavioral disorders, its serious side effects and risks eventually led to its decline.

Today, the procedure is rarely performed, and other forms of therapy, such as medication and behavioral therapy, are typically used to treat mental disorders.