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Megan McArdle on the Oedipus Trap

EconTalk

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The Controversial Legacy of Lobotomy

This chapter examines the historical context and procedures of lobotomy, a treatment used during a time of limited mental health options. It highlights the complexities of the practice, including the motivations of the surgeon who performed the last lobotomy in the U.S., and the mixed outcomes experienced by patients. Through personal anecdotes and ethical reflections, the chapter presents a nuanced perspective on the brutal yet significant legacy of lobotomy in psychiatric history.

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