Ética das pesquisas envolvendo pessoas com transtornos mentais maiores

Abstract

This paper aims to examine in a conceptual and reasonably well-informed manner from a scientific point of view, the interrelationship between mental vulnerability and rational and autonomous decision-making capacity, presenting relevant bioethical aspects, based on this examination, but also, based on consolidated ethical principles, to reflect and deliberate on the relevance of research with people affected by major mental disorders in psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience in general. After highlighting general ethical aspects of ethics in research with human beings, the paper examines whether individuals with major mental disorders, such as major depressive disorder, can be considered effectively rational, autonomous and responsible, if they are endowed with rational responsible autonomy. Finally, we highlight bioethical aspects related to vulnerability and practical rationality related to the theme. The various theoretical and practical aspects highlighted here seem crucial, and suggest the outline of questions and concepts that need to be further explored by the neuroscience of ethics and the ethics of neuroscience.