The history of lobotomy as a neuropsychiatric intervention in Brazil - a case report of a geriatric patient

Abstract

Lobotomy was a widespread neurosurgical procedure in the first half of the 20th century. It was used as a treatment for various mental disorders. The development of psychosurgeries in Brazil, their indications, effects, consequences, advancements, as well as the social context of the population subjected to it are revised herein. Also, an illustrative case report of an elderly Brazilian bipolar disorder patient who underwent this procedure in the 1940's is described in this paper. The article promotes a critical debate around the ethical and social implications of this practice, contributing to the understanding and reflection on the history of psychiatry, neuroscience, and research ethics.

Keywords: Psychosurgery; aged; bipolar disorder; neuropsychiatry; research ethics.