One of the most controversial medical procedures in history - Jenell Johnson
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In 1935, researchers found that after removing the frontal lobes of two chimps, they no longer experienced frustration or anxiety. Neurologist Egas Moniz believed that replicating this in humans could cure mental illness— leading to one of the most controversial and destructive medical treatments of the 20th century: the lobotomy. Jenell Johnson uncovers the history of the procedure.
One reason that people were reluctant to discuss their negative experiences with lobotomy was that mental illness was a source of shame and stigma in the mid 20th century. Do you think that the stigma of mental illness has increased or decreased since then? What reasons can you find to support your answer?
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Meet The Creators
- Educator Jenell Johnson
- Director Anton Bogaty
- Narrator Addison Anderson
- Composer Cem Misirlioglu, Work Play Work
- Sound Designer Cem Misirlioglu, Work Play Work
- Produced by Gerta Xhelo, Abdallah Ewis
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
- Script Editor Stephanie Honchell Smith
- Fact-Checker Charles Wallace
