Imagining Governance for Emerging Technologies

Robyn is a 67-year-old Australian woman whose major depression was well managed with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a novel neurotechnology being used clinically in some countries, under the close supervision of her psychiatrist in Sydney. The treatment, which is approved by Austral...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Issues in science and technology 2022-04, Vol.38 (3), p.40-46
Main Authors: Mathews, Debra J H, Fabi, Rachel, Offodile, Anaeze C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Case studies
Committees
Computer & video games
Depression (Psychology)
Direct current
Electrical stimulation of the brain
ESB
Ethics
FDA approval
Food
Governance
Hyperactivity
Innovation
Innovations
Interdisciplinary Approach
Interdisciplinary aspects
Internet
Management
Medical equipment
Medical Services
Medicine
Mental Health
Mental health care
New technology
Psychiatrists
Psychiatry
Regulatory agencies
Stakeholders
Supervision
Technology
Vignettes
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Summary:Robyn is a 67-year-old Australian woman whose major depression was well managed with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a novel neurotechnology being used clinically in some countries, under the close supervision of her psychiatrist in Sydney. The treatment, which is approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, was covered by her private insurance. However, when Robyn moved to the United States for work, she was dismayed to learn that the treatment is not approved here. Increasingly anxious about her worsening symptoms, she went online and ordered a "wellness aid" that looked something like the device she remembered from her doctor's office. One week and $250 later, she began using the device at home, trying her best to replicate the way her psychiatrist placed it on her head and the settings she had used. When his school day ends, Liam, a ninth grader, pops on the tDCS device that his parents got him for his birthday before he begins to play computer games. Although not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the device he wears is marketed to adults as a way to improve attention and focus. Liam feels it helps him concentrate when he's gaming, as well as with his schoolwork and violin practice- so he uses it once or twice a day to try to maintain his edge at his competitive high school. His little brother, who is in third grade and struggles with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, uses it occasionally as well.
ISSN:0748-5492
1938-1557