1. Brain-computer interface-based control of closed-loop brain stimulation: attitudes and ethical considerations.
- Author
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Klein, Eran, Goering, Sara, Gagne, Josh, Shea, Conor V., Franklin, Rachel, Zorowitz, Samuel, Dougherty, Darin D., and Widge, Alik S.
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BRAIN-computer interfaces , *BRAIN stimulation , *DEEP brain stimulation , *MORAL attitudes , *BRAINWASHING , *OBSESSIVE-compulsive disorder - Abstract
Patients who have undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS) for emerging indications have unique perspectives on ethical challenges that may shape trial design and identify key design features for BCI-driven DBS systems. DBS research in cognitive and emotional disorders has generated significant ethical interest. Much of this work has focused on developing ethical guidelines and recommendations for open-loop DBS systems. While early trials of open-loop DBS for depression gave disappointing results, research is moving toward clinical trials with closed-loop or patient-controllable DBS systems that may modulate aspects of personality and emotion. Though user-centered design is an increasingly important principle in neurotechnology, the perspectives of implanted individuals on ethical issues raised by DBS are poorly understood. We solicited those perspectives through a focus group and set of qualitative interviews of participants in trials of DBS for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We identified four major themes: control over device function, authentic self, relationship effects, and meaningful consent. Each has implications for the design of closed-loop systems for non-motor disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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