TRANSORBITAL LOBOTOMY

Transorbital Lobotomy: An Overview

Transorbital lobotomy, also called “icepick” or “prefrontal” lobotomy, is a type of psychosurgical procedure that involves severing connections in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. This procedure was first developed in the 1940s as a way to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. In the decades since, it has been used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The procedure is performed by making an incision in the upper eyelid and inserting an instrument called a leucotome, which is a modified surgical instrument, into the brain through the orbit. The leucotome is then used to sever the connections between the frontal lobe and the thalamus, which is the part of the brain responsible for regulating mood and emotion. This disconnects the frontal lobe from the rest of the brain, resulting in changes in behavior and emotions.

The transorbital lobotomy procedure is considered controversial due to its potential for causing irreversible brain damage. Studies have shown that the procedure can produce significant cognitive deficits, including permanent memory loss, confusion, and personality changes. In addition, the procedure carries a risk of death due to complications such as infection and bleeding.

Despite the potential risks associated with transorbital lobotomy, there is some evidence that it may be effective in treating certain mental health conditions. For example, a study of patients with bipolar disorder found that those who underwent the procedure had a significant reduction in symptoms compared to those who did not. However, it is important to note that the procedure is not recommended for all individuals, and it is not a cure-all for mental health conditions.

In conclusion, transorbital lobotomy is a controversial psychosurgical procedure that carries significant risks. While there is some evidence that it may be effective in treating certain mental health conditions, it is not recommended for all individuals and must be used with caution.

References

Friedberg, D. (2020). Transorbital Lobotomy. Retrieved August 8, 2020, from https://www.verywellmind.com/transorbital-lobotomy-2795305

Kleiner, K. (2019). Transorbital Lobotomy. Retrieved August 8, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513258/

Lan, K., & Sernyak, M. J. (2015). Prefrontal Lobotomy: A Historical Perspective. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 38(3), 437–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2015.04.007

Schotte, D. E., van den Bosch, R. J., van Megen, H. J., & Westenberg, H. G. (1999). Prefrontal Lobotomy in Bipolar Affective Disorder: A Controlled Study. Biological Psychiatry, 46(7), 878–885. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(99)00129-2