About half of the people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may not be getting the treatment they need because of a brain deficit that renders them unable to perceive that they are ill, according to Dr. Xavier Amador.ANOSOGNOSIA -- "unawareness of illness", is a syndrome commonly seen in people with serious mental illness and some neurological disorders, according to Dr. Amador, Ph.D., who is on the board of directors of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in the USA.
People with this syndrome do not believe they are ill despite evidence to the contrary, said Amador, who is director of psychology at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and professor of psychology in the department of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, indicates that it is NOT to be confused with denial.
Dr. Xavier AMADOR, is also the author of "I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help" and in this video uploaded to the web by the NS Scizophrenia Society, he explains ANOSOGNOSIA, so that the family, friends and caregivers of those with mental illness can better understand what is happening.
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