How Many People Actually Got Lobotomized?

How Many People Were Affected by Lobotomy Procedures? The history of lobotomy is both fascinating and disturbing, reflecting a period in medical history when invasive brain surgery was seen as a viable treatment for various mental health conditions. During the mid-20th century, lobotomies were performed on tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. The procedure, which involved severing connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex, was initially hailed as a groundbreaking treatment for severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. However, the consequences were often devastating, leading to significant cognitive and emotional impairments. The practice of lobotomy began in the 1930s and gained widespread popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. In the United States alone, it is estimated that around 40,000 to 50,000 people underwent the procedure. Globally, the number is believed to be approximately 70,000. The pioneering figure behind this controversial practice was Portuguese neurologist António Egas Moniz, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1949 for his work in developing lobotomy. Despite its initial acclaim, the results of lobotomy were often unpredictable, with many patients experiencing severe side effects, including personality changes, inability to control impulses, and in some cases, death. The decline of lobotomy began in the late 1950s with the introduction of antipsychotic medications, which provided a less invasive and more effective treatment for mental illnesses. Additionally, growing ethical concerns and public outrage over the procedure's adverse outcomes led to its eventual disfavor. By the 1970s, lobotomies had largely fallen out of practice, replaced by more humane and scientifically sound approaches to mental health treatment. In retrospect, the history of lobotomy serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical implications of medical interventions and the importance of evidence-based practices in healthcare. The legacy of lobotomy underscores the need for ongoing research, humane treatment methods, and a commitment to understanding the complex nature of mental health conditions.