The overall goal of this project was to document and evaluate the technology of deep brain stimulation (DBS), including its non-invasive transcranial stimulation alternatives, to assess the technical, ethical, and legal problems to help determine whether they should move forward in the U.S. We performed a review of the current research literature and conducted interviews with academic researchers and bioethicists. Based on the research performed for this project, we conclude that DBS can be effective, but it comes with serious side-effects that must be carefully weighed against patient benefit. The FDA regulates DBS procedures, but not transcranial procedures, and we make recommendations for resolving conflicts of interest.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Chen, Wei
• Gauthier, Samantha Mechelle
• Morse, Jonathan Henry
• Massar, Christopher Jeffrey
• Barrett, Craig David

Subject

• Industry
• Well-Being
• Health

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-081916-141158

Keyword

• Mental health

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2016

Date created

• 2016-08-19

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright