StoryCorps
SPECIAL: Remembering Howard Dully of "My Lobotomy"
Mar 11, 2025
Howard Dully, who underwent a lobotomy at just 12 years old, shares his deeply personal quest for understanding his traumatic experience. He reflects on the chilling history of lobotomies, revealing the unsettling techniques and societal attitudes of the time. Dully recounts the difficult journey of unearthing his own medical records and the emotional toll on his family, marked by regret and complex relationships. Through poignant storytelling, he confronts the lasting shadows of his past, emphasizing the importance of healing and connection.
26:43
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Quick takeaways
- Howard Dully's quest to understand the reason behind his childhood lobotomy reveals deep family trauma and the impact of extreme medical decisions.
- The controversial history of lobotomy highlights a stark contrast in patient outcomes, emphasizing the complex emotional and cognitive ramifications of such procedures.
Deep dives
The Origins of Lobotomy
The history of lobotomy is rooted in Walter Freeman's belief that mental illness stemmed from overactive emotions, which he aimed to alleviate through surgery. The procedure he pioneered, known as transorbital lobotomy or ice-pick lobotomy, involved inserting an instrument through the eye socket to sever connections in the frontal lobes of the brain. This method was introduced in 1946 and rapidly gained popularity due to a lack of alternative treatments for severe mental illness. Freeman performed over 2,500 lobotomies across the United States, often employing a theatrical approach that captured public attention and scrutiny.
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