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Argumentative Essay On Lobotomy

1658 Words7 Pages

During the twentieth- century, lobotomy became a popular procedure performed on patients with neurosis such as schizophrenia, bi-polar mood disorder, personality disorder, etc. Many scientists, especially at the time, argued that poking holes through parts of the brain and swishing parts around helps make patients more calm and cooperative. I predict that lobotomy had no benefits for the patient but rather in a dissociative state to appear calm. By understanding the history of lobotomy, patients' experience and stories, and alternatives we can grasp a better view in how lobotomy was unethical and ineffective. Lobotomy has evolved from various techniques, patients, countries, and psychosurgeons. It all began with Friederich Golz, a German …show more content…

As it peeked throughout the United States during the 1940's, people underwent lobotomy for the littlest reasons. According to "Top 10 Fascinating And Notable Lobotomies", a 12 year old boy named Howard Dully had lobotomy because his stepmother described him to be "unbelievably defiant". Dully was described as a daydreamer who objected going to bed. His stepmother approached Dr. Freeman who suggested lobotomy to change his personality and behavior ("Top 10 Fascinating And Notable Lobotomies."). The aftermath of the procedure drastically effected Dully's growth; he was institutionalized, incarcerated, and was eventually homeless and an alcoholic ("Top 10 Fascinating And Notable Lobotomies."). This is one example how people took advantage of lobotomy. Another example of the misuse of lobotomy is the story of Warner Baxter who was an American actor during the 1930's. During the 1940's, people usually turned to lobotomy for constant pain such as chronic or severe backaches and agonizing headaches ("Top 10 Fascinating And Notable Lobotomies."). Baxter suffered a nervous breakdown in the early 1940's with a crippling arthritis as he grew older (Stang). Regardless of the ill-advice he received, he decided to undergo a lobotomy in hopes to ease his pain (Stang). Baxter died shortly after the surgery due to pneumonia

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