Walter Freeman

Walter Freeman was an American neurologist known for developing the lobotomy, a controversial surgical procedure used to treat severe mental illnesses. In the 1940s and 1950s, he aimed to alleviate suffering by severing connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Freeman often performed these procedures in a non-traditional manner, using an ice pick-like instrument and advocating for its use in outpatient settings. While he believed he was helping patients, the procedure often resulted in significant and negative side effects, leading to ethical debates and its eventual decline in practice. His work has significantly impacted psychiatry and discussions around mental health treatment.