Deflating the "Neurostimulation causes personality changes" bubble

• In Event: What are the Relationships between STS and Empirical Ethics? A Panel Discussion on Neuroethics

Abstract

The idea that deep brain stimulation (DBS) induces changes to personality, identity, agency, authenticity, autonomy and self (PIAAAS) is so deeply entrenched within neuroethics discourses that it has become an unchallenged narrative. Using analytical and methodological tools from STS, we conducted a literature review of more than 1,535 articles to investigate the prevalence of scientific evidence regarding these potential DBS-induced changes. While we observed an increase in the number of publications in theoretical neuroethics, we found a critical lack of primary empirical studies corroborating potential DBS-induced effects on patients’ postoperative PIAAAS. Our findings strongly suggest that the theoretical neuroethics debate on putative effects of DBS relies on a very limited empirical evidence base. This finding indicates that the theoretical neuroethics may rely on unsubstantiated speculative assumptions in lieu of robust evidence; reflecting the likelihood of a speculative ethics bubble that needs to be deflated. Ethics engaged in un-evidenced and un-founded speculation may perpetuate and propagate misleading assumptions; as well encourage the public, but most importantly prospective patients, to adopt a reluctant approach to the treatment. Nevertheless, despite the low number of first-hand primary studies and large number of marginal and single case reports, potential postoperative DBS changes experienced by patients remain a critical ethical concern. We recommend further usage of STS instruments to enhance empirical neuroethics debate on potential postoperative variations of PIAAAS.

Authors

• Frederic Gilbert, University of Washington & University of Tasmania

• John Viana, University of Tasmania

• Christian Ineichen, University of Zurich