정신의학에서 디지털 표현형의 임상적 적용 시 고려해야 할 윤리적 이슈

Abstract

The digital phenotype refers to the characteristics or patterns defined by the real-time collection, quantification, and analysis of multimodal data encompassing behavioral, physiological, cognitive, emotional, and contextual signals derived from digital devices. This approach leverages passive and active data streams from smartphones and wearable sensors, enabling continuous and ecologically valid monitoring of mental states in naturalistic settings. In recent years, psychiatry has increasingly explored digital phenotypes to support early symptom detection, personalized treatment design, and longitudinal tracking of disease progression. However, the clinical adoption of digital phenotypes necessitates careful consideration of ethical and institutional challenges, including data privacy, the scope and continuity of consent, personal health data management, algorithmic transparency, and disparities in digital access. This paper examines these ethical and institutional issues surrounding the clinical application of digital phenotypes and evaluates complementary strategies, such as dynamic consent frameworks and privacy-preserving data infrastructures, to ensure ethical utilization. Ultimately, the effective integration of digital phenotypes in psychiatric care requires sustained interdisciplinary dialogue and a multilayered, institutional approach grounded in ethical responsibility and patient-centered principles.