Beyond antidepressant effects of deep brain stimulation – A systematic qualitative approach

Abstract Background In the field of psychiatric disorders Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an experimental treatment method for which not all causes and (long-term) effects have yet been clarified. Especially in this experimental stage any kind of information is necessary for an efficient use of this treatment method. Method Here, an interdisciplinary research approach was used to uncover blind spots of one's own research perspective. To this end, a psychological and psychiatric perspective was expanded including a sociological research approach. Within this sociological qualitative perspective, 524 pages of research material were generated, consisting of observation protocols and sketches as well as qualitative interviews with patients (N = 17) and the research team (N = 7). The data collection and field phase started in 03/2014 and ended in 07/2016, within FORESEE I and FORESEE II study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01095263; NCT01778790). Results Two central concerns of the patients became visible: On the one hand, the striving for normality with the focus on the stimulation settings. On the other hand, the desire for self-regulation by means of technology in the event of a deterioration in mood. In addition, almost all patients report that they do not feel the technique and do not feel externally determined by the technique. Conclusion Regarding the focus of the current ethical-philosophical debate about potential external control and external determination by technology, this aspect was no issue for the patients interviewed. Accordingly, we propose to use this as an important source for add-on in future studies.