Table 1.
Intersections between global mental health and neuroethics
| Area of Intersection | Global mental health | Neuroethics |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalist and empirical approach | * Importance of evidence-based clinical practice locally and globally | * Advances in neuroscience may shed light on broad philosophical questions |
| * Particular need for mental health research in low- and middle-income countries | * Value of empirical approaches to answering specific bioethical questions | |
| Concern with both disease and wellness | * Focus on absence of disease as well physical, mental and social well-being | * Particular interest in the possible value of neuro-enhancement |
| * Emphasis not only on symptom reduction but also on recovery | * Commitment to using technologies to maximise potential of all | |
| Importance of human rights in neuropsychiatric care | * Emphasis on the human rights of those suffering from mental illness | * Emphasis on the social and legal implications of neuroscientific advances |
| * Importance of equivalent prioritization of mental and physical health | * Concern that neurotechnologies may fortify asymmetric relationships | |
| Value of social inclusion and patient empowerment | * Emphasis on value of consumer perspective; ‘nothing for us, without us’ | * Role, relevance, and importance of brain science to concepts of ‘self’ |
| * Focus on establishing and enhancing patient empowerment | * Emphasis on the meaning of neuroscience, and its contribution to flourishing |