The challenge of crafting policy for do-it-yourself brain stimulation

• Published in: Journal of medical ethics Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 410 - 412
• Main Authors: Fitz, Nicholas S, Reiner, Peter B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Institute of Medical Ethics and BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01.05.2015; BMJ Publishing Group Ltd; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Publishing Group
• Subjects: Analysis; Bioethics; Brain; Brain stimulation; Canada; Cognition; Deep Brain Stimulation - ethics; Deep Brain Stimulation - instrumentation; Electric currents; Electrodes; Ethical aspects; Government regulation; Health policy; Health Policy - legislation & jurisprudence; Health Policy - trends; Humans; Laws, regulations and rules; Medical ethics; Medical policy; Neurosciences; Policy Making; Regulation of financial institutions; Scientists; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - ethics; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - instrumentation; Treatment Outcome; Viewpoint; Canada; United States; Regulation; Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation; Enhancement; Electrical Stimulation of the Brain; Neuroethics
• ISSN: 0306-6800; 1473-4257
• DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2013-101458

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a simple means of brain stimulation, possesses a trifecta of appealing features: it is relatively safe, relatively inexpensive and relatively effective. It is also relatively easy to obtain a device and the do-it-yourself (DIY) community has become galvanised by reports that tDCS can be used as an all-purpose cognitive enhancer. We provide practical recommendations designed to guide balanced discourse, propagate norms of safe use and stimulate dialogue between the DIY community and regulatory authorities. We call on all stakeholders—regulators, scientists and the DIY community—to share in crafting policy proposals that ensure public safety while supporting DIY innovation.