Shutter Island, Forensic Psychology & Lobotomies, Oh My!

As some of you might know I'm in the process of pursuing my master's degree in Forensic Psychology, what is it, you ask?  (Every person inevitably does).  Forensic Psychology is essentially the study and etiology (cause) of the deviant individual - that sounded so smart. lol.  

Recently Kip & I went and saw Shutter Island which was AMAZING.  The bonus?  It was centered around Forensic Psychology and the early introduction of Thorazine (antipsychotic/neuroleptic drug) as a use for mental illness and psychotic diseases, as well as some references to lobotomies.

Check out Shutter Island if you get a chance, and if you ever wondered what Forensic Psych (or had an interest in the development of treatment for patients with mental illnesses) was all about you could garner a good understanding from the big reveal in the end.

P.S.  I've seen a video of a lobotomy - it was NOT pretty.  If I can find one on Youtube I'll link it.  If you're of the faint of heart or stomach variety, I'd stay away.  (Found one, not the graphic one I saw, but still enough to get the point across)

 

What is a Lobotomy? 

Answer:  A lobotomy (as seen in the above video) was a barbaric surgery that was cultivated by Dr. Freeman which involved the electro-shock therapy of a patient to render them unconscious for a few moments, followed by the insertion of an ice pick into the corner of their inner eye.  The doctor would then take a hammer and tap the icepick through the occular bone to "scramble" the frontal lobe a bit and separate it from the rest of the brain.  The Frontal Lobe, FYI, is the emotional center of the brain.  Here is a short list of some things that can happen when damage occurs to that region:

• Mental flexibility and spontaneity are impaired, but IQ is not reduced.
• Talking may increase or decrease dramatically.
• Perceptions regarding risk-taking and rule-abiding are impaired.
• Socialization can diminish or increase.
• Orbital frontal lobe damage can result in peculiar sexual habits.
• Dorsolateral frontal lobe damage reduces sexual interest.
• Creativity is diminished or increased as well as problem solving skills.
• Distraction occurs more frequently.
• Loss of smell and/or taste.