The ethics of research on deep brain stimulation for depression: decisional capacity and therapeutic misconception

摘要: Research on deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant depression appears promising, but concerns have been raised about the decisional capacity of severely depressed patients and their potential misconceptions research. We assessed 31 DBS research participants with MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool Clinical (MacCAT-CR), a well-validated measure, scale to measure therapeutic misconception, which occurs when subjects do not recognize key differences between treatment clinical Correlations baseline depressive symptoms were explored. Subjects’ performance MacCAT-CR was excellent, misconception still apparent. A trend toward significance found in correlation ratings total score. Responses open-ended prompts revealed both reassuring concerning statements related expectations risk, benefit, individualization. Even did manifest impairments consent Therapeutic however, remained prevalent.