James W. Watts

James Winston Watts (January 19, 1904 – November 15, 1994) was an American neurosurgeon known for his collaboration with Walter Freeman in the development and popularization of the lobotomy procedure. Watts played a significant role in the history of psychosurgery, a field that sought to treat mental illness through surgical intervention on the brain.

Early Life and Education

James W. Watts was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, where he developed an interest in medicine. He went on to earn his medical degree from the same institution in 1928. Following his graduation, Watts completed his internship and residency in neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania, where he honed his skills in brain surgery.

Career and Contributions

Watts began his professional career as a neurosurgeon at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. It was here that he met Walter Freeman, a neurologist with whom he would form a long-lasting professional partnership. Together, they embarked on a journey to explore surgical treatments for mental illness, which led to the development of the lobotomy.

Development of the Lobotomy

The lobotomy, also known as leucotomy, was a procedure that involved severing connections in the brain's prefrontal cortex. Freeman and Watts believed that this could alleviate symptoms of severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

Watts was responsible for the surgical aspect of the procedure, while Freeman focused on the theoretical and promotional aspects. Their collaboration led to the refinement of the technique, which they initially performed using a method that involved drilling holes in the skull to access the brain.

Ethical Controversies

The lobotomy procedure became highly controversial due to its invasive nature and the mixed outcomes for patients. While some patients showed improvement, others suffered from severe side effects, including personality changes, cognitive deficits, and in some cases, death. The ethical implications of performing such a drastic procedure on vulnerable patients were widely debated.

Later Career and Legacy

As the lobotomy fell out of favor with the advent of antipsychotic medications in the 1950s, Watts shifted his focus back to general neurosurgery. He continued to practice and teach at George Washington University until his retirement.

Despite the controversies surrounding the lobotomy, Watts' contributions to neurosurgery and his role in the history of psychosurgery remain significant. His work with Freeman is a reminder of the evolving nature of medical ethics and the importance of balancing innovation with patient safety.

Also see

• Walter Freeman
• Lobotomy
• Psychosurgery
• History of neurosurgery
• Ethics in medicine