Anosognosia
Pronunciation: an-oh-sog-NOH-zhuh
A neurological or psychiatric symptom in which the patient is unaware of or denies having a mental illness or cognitive impairment, not attributable to denial or lack of education.
Full Definition
Anosognosia, derived from the Greek for 'lack of knowledge of disease,' is a clinically significant phenomenon common in conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's disease. It is distinct from psychological denial (a conscious or unconscious defense mechanism) and from poor health literacy. In schizophrenia, anosognosia is thought to arise from deficits in the brain's self-monitoring processes. Editors must not conflate this term with 'insight,' as anosognosia implies a neurobiological basis for the lack of illness awareness. It is typically referenced in neuropsychiatric evaluations, capacity assessments, and guardianship proceedings.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use interchangeably with 'denial' or 'poor insight.' Anosognosia implies a neurobiological basis; denial implies a psychological mechanism.
In Context
- "The capacity evaluation documented anosognosia as a contributing factor in the patient's refusal of antipsychotic medication." — Psychiatric capacity evaluation
- "Distinguish 'anosognosia' from 'denial' in documentation: the former is a neurobiological deficit, not a psychological defense." — Editorial note for neuropsychiatric reports