Anosognosia Treatment in Spokane, Washington

By We Level Up WA | Author Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Living with mental illness presents numerous challenges, but perhaps one of the most complex is anosognosia, a condition where individuals genuinely cannot recognize their own mental health disorder.

What Is Anosognosia?

Anosognosia (pronounced an-o-sog-NO-sia) comes from the Greek words for “without,” “disease,” and “knowledge.” It refers to a person’s inability to perceive their own mental health condition or its symptoms. Unlike simple denial, which is a psychological defense mechanism, anosognosia has neurological roots – the brain literally cannot process the reality of the illness.

This condition affects approximately 50% of individuals with schizophrenia and 40% of those with bipolar disorder, according to research from the Treatment Advocacy Center. It’s not a choice or willful ignorance – it’s a genuine symptom that makes treatment particularly challenging.

For families watching a loved one struggle without recognizing their need for help, anosognosia can be heartbreaking. “It’s like they’re trapped in an alternate reality,” is how many family members describe the experience. The person isn’t being difficult. Their brain is literally preventing them from seeing what others can clearly observe.

Recognizing the Signs of Anosognosia

Identifying anosognosia requires looking beyond surface behaviors to understand the patterns that suggest a lack of insight rather than simple resistance.

In schizophrenia, a person might experience hallucinations but insist they’re real, unable to recognize them as symptoms. Someone with bipolar disorder might engage in dangerous spending sprees during manic episodes but be completely unable to see how their behavior differs from their baseline.

The severity can fluctuate – sometimes a person might have partial awareness of their condition, while at other times they completely lack insight. This inconsistency can be confusing for everyone involved and makes consistent treatment challenging.

What Causes Anosognosia?

Anosognosia is not denial or stubbornness; it happens because certain parts of the brain that are responsible for self-awareness aren’t working properly. Just like someone with a vision problem might not notice gradual eyesight loss, someone with anosognosia genuinely may not realize they’re unwell. It’s a medical issue, not a choice, and understanding this can help in finding the right support and treatment.

Conditions associated with anosognosia include:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke

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The Far-Reaching Impact of Anosognosia

The effects of anosognosia extend far beyond the individual, creating ripple effects that touch every aspect of their life and the lives of those who care about them.

Impact on Individuals

When someone cannot recognize their illness, the consequences can be severe:

• Treatment delays and non-adherence: Without recognizing a problem, individuals rarely seek help voluntarily and may resist prescribed treatments
• Symptom escalation: Untreated mental health conditions typically worsen over time
• Increased hospitalization risk: Studies show that anosognosia is associated with higher rates of involuntary hospitalization
• Homelessness and legal issues: Without treatment, some individuals face housing instability or encounters with law enforcement
• Substance abuse: Many turn to self-medication, unaware they’re treating an unrecognized mental health condition

Impact on Families and Caregivers

For loved ones, anosognosia creates unique challenges that can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. First, there’s the emotional distress of watching someone you care about struggle, while they insist nothing is wrong. This can lead to a sense of helplessness as you witness their difficulties but feel unable to offer meaningful support. 

Additionally, relationship strain is common, as the person with anosognosia may blame others for their problems or resent any attempts to intervene. Caregiver burnout often follows, as the constant effort to help someone who doesn’t believe they need assistance becomes physically and mentally draining. 

Families also face ethical dilemmas, grappling with the balance between respecting the person’s autonomy and recognizing when intervention is necessary for their well-being. Finally, there can be a significant financial burden, as managing crises and providing ongoing support can create considerable strain on family resources.

Treatment

Treatment often focuses on managing the underlying cause and improving the individual’s quality of life.

There is no direct cure for anosognosia, and it can be difficult to treat. There may be cases when the following treatments could be helpful:

1. Treatment of Underlying Condition: If anosognosia is caused by a neurological issue like a stroke or dementia, treating that condition (e.g., using medications, rehabilitation, or therapy) may help alleviate symptoms, although it may not fully resolve anosognosia.
   
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): In some cases, CBT may help the patient become more aware of their condition, although this depends on the severity of their cognitive impairment and whether they can engage in therapy.
   
3. Psychoeducation: Educating family members and caregivers about the condition is important. Caregivers can use structured support strategies to help the individual recognize their limitations and offer assistance when necessary.
   
4. Rehabilitation and Therapy: Occupational, speech, or physical therapy can improve function, and in some cases, it can help patients better understand their abilities or limitations, although they may still have difficulty fully recognizing them.
   
5. Medications: In some cases, medications used to manage the underlying neurological condition, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants for certain conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, may indirectly help reduce anosognosia.
   
6. Supportive Care: Ensuring a safe environment and providing assistance in daily tasks may be necessary if anosognosia leads to dangerous situations due to a lack of self-awareness.

Anosognosia Statistics

This condition isn’t easy to treat. It might improve if you can persuade someone with it to keep taking or restart their medication. About one-third of people with schizophrenia who take medication have improved insight into their condition.

Why Choose We Level Up WA for Anosognosia Treatment

When facing the complex challenge of anosognosia, having the right treatment team makes all the difference.

Evidence-Based Approaches

Our treatment protocols are grounded in the latest research on anosognosia and mental health recovery, ensuring you receive care that reflects current best practices rather than outdated approaches.

Compassionate Understanding

Perhaps most importantly, we approach anosognosia with deep compassion, recognizing that behind the resistance is a person who is experiencing their reality differently, not someone being willfully difficult.

Begin the Journey to Greater Awareness and Recovery

Anosognosia presents unique challenges, but with the right support, individuals can develop greater insight, and families can find more effective ways to help their loved ones. At We Level Up WA, we’re committed to walking alongside you on this journey.

If someone you love is struggling to recognize their mental health condition, reach out to us today at 509-348-4077. Our team can help you understand what’s happening and develop strategies that work – even when insight is limited.

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