At the beginning of the 20th century, those suffering from mental illnesses had few options for treatment. Psychiatric medications were not yet available, leaving many with no other recourse but to be confined to overcrowded and inhumane asylums. In 1935, a revolutionary new medical procedure was introduced: the lobotomy. This form of brain surgery offered a glimmer of hope to those who otherwise saw none – it seemed to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms in some cases.
However, despite its initial promise, lobotomies have been condemned by history as barbaric and ineffective treatments for mental health conditions. In fact, many of those who underwent the procedure faced far worse outcomes than before – leading to significant disability or even death in some cases.
Nowadays, modern psychiatric treatment has come a long way since then, but it’s still important to remember what happened during that time. To learn more about this dark chapter in medical history and its lasting impact on mental health care today, take a look at the compelling documentary “Lobotomy: A History”. The film explores the development and use of lobotomies throughout the 20th century – told through interviews with doctors and former patients alike – and reveals how decisions made during this period continue to affect our understanding of mental illness today. By watching Lobotomy: A History you will gain an appreciation for both advances and pitfalls made in psychiatry over time; an invaluable insight that can help guide your own betterment journey now and into the future..
