In the second episode of our podcast mini-series #TIPsyThursday* we discuss the 'Biomarkers for Brain Diseases'. Host Katherine, together with co-hosts Mariel and Susan have an open discussion about what are 'Brain Biomarkers', and what are the ethical issues that can be associated with this this technology. We even raised personal questions such as: Would you want to know of a risk to psychiatric and/or neurological diseases? Do you have a responsibility to act on the results that you are given? How should sensitive 'risk profiles' be communicated with the patient/individual?
Key takeaways:
1. Current biomarker testing for psychiatric diseases is not robust enough to be used in the clinic.
2. There isn't a single biomarker that can detect risk of developing a psychiatric disorder
3. There are 2 schools-of-thought when it comes to biomarker research: (1) The right to know and the right not to know; (2) The right to know and the duty to tell.
4. Risk profiles from biomarker testing should be very carefully communicated to the individual to avoid panic and anxiety.
5. Certain employers might demand a biomarker test risk profile of their potential employees. Is that ethical? What about the involvement of insurance companies?
*#TIPsyThursday is an informal mini-series by Neuroethics Today where host Katherine Bassil and co-hosts Mariel Kalkach and Susan Kravitz have an open conversation about all things neuroethics including technologies that exist, do not exist, and may one day exist. You do not need to be a neuro-somebody to tune in, just grab your favourite drink, your headphones, relax and enjoy this provoking and stimulating conversation.
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