Anosognosia
When a loved one says they're not ill. A brain-based symptom, not denial.
From psychiatrists Dr. Tracey Skale and Dr. Paul Keck
Overview
TODO: Overview drafted from the Episode 5 show notes. Docs Tracey and Paul to review before launch.
Some people living with serious mental illness don’t recognize that they are ill. That lack of awareness, called anosognosia, is a symptom of the illness itself, not stubbornness or denial.
What the Docs cover
- Anosognosia as a brain-based symptom, not denial
- The LEAP® method with its originator, Dr. Xavier Amador
- The ethics of involuntary treatment
Key terms, in plain language
- Anosognosia
- A lack of awareness of one's own illness that is caused by the illness itself. It is a brain-based symptom, not denial.
- LEAP®
- A method for communicating with someone who doesn't believe they are ill, originated by Dr. Xavier Amador, founder of the LEAP Institute.
Questions about anosognosia
Is anosognosia the same as denial?
No. In Episode 5, guest Dr. Xavier Amador explains anosognosia as a brain-based symptom of illness, not denial.
What is the LEAP approach?
LEAP® is a method originated by Dr. Xavier Amador, founder of the LEAP Institute, for helping families and clinicians communicate with someone who doesn't believe they're ill. Episode 5 covers it in depth.