REPORT ON LOBOTOMY STUDIES AT THE BOSTON PSYCHOPATHIC HOSPITAL

It is clear that the results of prefrontal lobotomy are quite variable. Clinically a few cases are dramatically improved and may be restored to a healthy efficient life in the community, a rather large number are partially improved or rendered more comfortable, and a good many are essentially unchanged. There is always a small but definite risk to life, and there is always the possibility of producing new and undesirable symptoms. As yet, we are quite unclear as to the exact indications for the operation. However, we would venture the opinion that by selection of early and relatively well-integrated cases, we would get a better percentage result. We would go on record as saying: that lobotomy is a good method, perhaps the foremost method, for the treatment of the chronic mentally ill patient.

The changes in the personality are very variable and complicated, and great caution should be exercised in interpreting psychological results. There is no question that prefrontal lobotomy offers a very rich field for research.